Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

85 home
21 the place/The place
21 here/HERE
20 the room/The room
19 the hotel
19 there
16 the house
15 the balcony/The balcony
15 the court/The court
14 the street

GPE

8 the place
7 the town
6 there/There
3 town
3 the country
3 the village
2 our nation
2 Other countries/other countries
1 great cities
1 many cities

LOC

59 the world
14 the river
3 earth
3 the south
3 sea
3 the country
2 the " great world
2 the sea
2 the water
1 the very heart of New England

PER

166 one/One
107 our friend/Our friend
84 the young man/The young man
80 his companion/His companion
69 his friend/His friend
30 her mother/Her mother
29 people/People
20 the latter/The latter
20 a man/A man
20 his mother/His mother

ORG

1 the Catholic Church
1 some other court
1 the Empire

VEH

8 the train
5 the boat/The boat
4 her boat
3 the ship
2 a coupe
2 the cab
2 the vehicle
2 a boat
1 the steamer
1 a railway - coach

Text

The Ambassadors , by [Henry James]_{81-henry james} . New York Edition 1909 . Volume I Preface Nothing is more easy than to state the subject of " The Ambassadors , "_{[81-henry james]} which first appeared in twelve numbers of The North American Review 1903 and was published as a whole the same year . The situation involved is gathered up betimes , that is in the second chapter of Book Fifth , for [the reader]_{202-the reader} 's benefit , into as few words as possible - planted or ' sunk , " stiffly and saliently , in the centre of the current , almost perhaps to the obstruction of traffic . Never can a composition of this sort have sprung straighter from a dropped grain of suggestion , and never can that grain , developed , overgrown and smothered , have yet lurked more in the mass as an independent particle . The whole case , in fine , is in [Lambert Strether]_82-strether 's irrepressible outbreak to [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} on the Sunday afternoon in [[Gloriani]_84-gloriani 's garden]_{2783-gloriani 's garden} , the candour with which [he]_82-strether yields , for [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} 's enlightenment , to the charming admonition of that crisis . The idea of the tale resides indeed in the very fact that an hour of such unprecedented ease should have been felt by [him]_82-strether AS a crisis , and [he]_82-strether is at pains to express it for [us]_2785-us as neatly as [we]_2785-us could desire . The remarks to which [he]_82-strether thus gives utterance contain the essence of "_{[203-the ambassadors]} [The Ambassadors]_{203-the ambassadors} , " [his]_82-strether fingers close , before [he]_82-strether has done , round the stem of the full - blown flower ; which , after that fashion , [he]_82-strether continues officiously to present to [us]_2785-us . "_{[203-the ambassadors]} Live all [you]_204-you can ; it 's a mistake not to . It does n't so much matter what [you]_204-you do in particular so long as [you]_204-you have [your]_204-you life . If [you]_204-you have n't had that what HAVE [you]_204-you had ? [I]_0-i 'm too old - too old at any rate for what [I]_0-i see . What [one loses one]_{205-one loses one} loses ; make no mistake about that . Still , [we]_206-we have the illusion of freedom ; therefore do n't , like [me]_0-i to - day , be without the memory of that illusion . [I]_0-i was either , at the right time , too stupid or too intelligent to have it , and now [I]_0-i 'm a case of reaction against the mistake . Do what [you]_204-you like so long as [you]_204-you do n't make it . For it WAS a mistake . Live , live ! " Such is the gist of [Strether]_82-strether 's appeal to [the impressed youth , whom [he]_82-strether likes and whom [he]_82-strether desires to befriend]_{2786-the impressed youth , whom he likes and whom he desires to befriend} ; the word "_[0-i] mistake " occurs several times , it will be seen , in the course of [his]_82-strether remarks - which gives the measure of the signal warning [he]_82-strether feels attached to [his]_82-strether case . [He]_82-strether has accordingly missed too much , though perhaps after all constitutionally qualified for a better part , and [he]_82-strether wakes up to it in conditions that press the spring of a terrible question . WOULD there yet perhaps be time for reparation ? - reparation , that is , for the injury done [his]_82-strether character ; for the affront , [he]_82-strether is quite ready to say , so stupidly put upon it and in which [he]_82-strether has even [himself]_82-strether had so clumsy a hand ? The answer to which is that [he]_82-strether now at all events SEES ; so that the business of [my]_0-i tale and the march of [my]_0-i action , not to say the precious moral of everything , is just [my]_0-i demonstration of this process of vision . Nothing can exceed the closeness with which the whole fits again into its germ . That had been given [me]_0-i bodily , as usual , by the spoken word , for [I]_0-i was to take the image over exactly as [I]_0-i happened to have met it . [A friend]_{2787-a friend} had repeated to [me]_0-i , with great appreciation , a thing or two said to [him]_82-strether by [a man of distinction]_{2788-a man of distinction} , much [his]_82-strether senior , and to which a sense akin to that of [Strether]_82-strether 's melancholy eloquence might be imputed - said as chance would have , and so easily might , in [Paris]_1-paris , and in [a charming old garden attached to [a house of art]_{2790-a house of art}]_{2789-a charming old garden attached to a house of art} , and on a Sunday afternoon of summer , [many persons of great interest being present]_{2791-many persons of great interest being present} . The observation there listened to and gathered up had contained part of the "_[0-i] note " that [I]_0-i was to recognise on the spot as to [my]_0-i purpose - had contained in fact the greater part ; the rest was in the place and the time and the scene [they]_2792-they sketched : [these constituents]_{2793-these constituents} clustered and combined to give [me]_0-i further support , to give [me]_0-i what [I]_0-i may call the note absolute . There it stands , accordingly , full in the tideway ; driven in , with hard taps , like some strong stake for the noose of a cable , the swirl of the current roundabout it . What amplified the hint to more than the bulk of hints in general was the gift with it of [the old [Paris]_1-paris garden]_{2794-the old paris garden} , for in that token were sealed up values infinitely precious . There was of course the seal to break and each item of the packet to count over and handle and estimate ; but somehow , in the light of the hint , all the elements of a situation of the sort most to [my]_0-i taste were there . [I]_0-i could even remember no occasion on which , so confronted , [I]_0-i had found it of a livelier interest to take stock , in this fashion , of suggested wealth . For [I]_0-i think , verily , that there are degrees of merit in [subjects]_{2795-subjects} - in spite of the fact that to treat even one of the most ambiguous with due decency [we]_2796-we must for the time , for the feverish and prejudiced hour , at least figure its merit and its dignity as POSSIBLY absolute . What it comes to , doubtless , is that even among the supremely good - since with such alone is it one 's theory of [one]_2797-one 's honour to be concerned - there is an ideal BEAUTY of goodness the invoked action of which is to raise the artistic faith to its maximum . Then truly , [I]_0-i hold , one 's theme may be said to shine , and that of "_[0-i] The Ambassadors , " [I]_0-i confess , wore this glow for [me]_0-i from beginning to end . Fortunately thus [I]_0-i am able to estimate this as , frankly , quite the best , "_[0-i] all round , " of all [my]_0-i productions ; any failure of that justification would have made such an extreme of complacency publicly fatuous . [I]_0-i recall then in this connexion no moment of subjective intermittence , never one of those alarms as for a suspected hollow beneath one 's feet , a felt ingratitude in the scheme adopted , under which confidence fails and opportunity seems but to mock . If the motive of "_[0-i] The Wings of the Dove , " as [I]_0-i have noted , was to worry [me]_0-i at moments by a sealing - up of its face - though without prejudice to its again , of a sudden , fairly grimacing with expression - so in this other business [I]_0-i had absolute conviction and constant clearness to deal with ; it had been a frank proposition , the whole bunch of data , installed on [[my]_0-i premises]_{2798-my premises} like a monotony of fine weather . The order of composition , in these things , [I]_0-i may mention , was reversed by the order of publication ; the earlier written of the two books having appeared as the later . Even under the weight of [[my]_0-i hero]_{2799-my hero} 's years [I]_0-i could feel [my]_0-i postulate firm ; even under the strain of the difference between those of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and those of [Chad Newsome]_111-chad , a difference liable to be denounced as shocking , [I]_0-i could still feel it serene . Nothing resisted , nothing betrayed , [I]_0-i seem to make out , in this full and sound sense of the matter ; it shed from any side [I]_0-i could turn it to the same golden glow . [I]_0-i rejoiced in the promise of [a hero]_{2800-a hero} so mature , who would give [me]_0-i thereby the more to bite into - since it 's only into thickened motive and accumulated character , [I]_0-i think , that [the painter of life]_{2801-the painter of life} bites more than a little . [[My]_0-i poor friend]_{2802-my poor friend} should have accumulated character , certainly ; or rather would be quite naturally and handsomely possessed of it , in the sense that [he]_{2802-my poor friend} would have , and would always have felt [he]_{2802-my poor friend} had , imagination galore , and that this yet would n't have wrecked [him]_{2802-my poor friend} . It was immeasurable , the opportunity to "_[0-i] do " [a man of imagination]_{2803-a man of imagination} , for if THERE might n't be a chance to "_[0-i] bite , " where in [the world]_{2804-the world} might it be ? [This personage of course]_{2805-this personage of course} , so enriched , would n't give [me]_0-i , for [his]_{2805-this personage of course} type , imagination in PREDOMINANCE or as [his]_{2805-this personage of course} prime faculty , nor should [I]_0-i , in view of other matters , have found that convenient . So particular a luxury - some occasion , that is , for study of the high gift in SUPREME command of a case or of a career - would still doubtless come on the day [I]_0-i should be ready to pay for it ; and till then might , as from far back , remain hung up well in view and just out of reach . The comparative case meanwhile would serve - it was only on the minor scale that [I]_0-i had treated [myself]_0-i even to comparative cases . [I]_0-i was to hasten to add however that , happy stopgaps as the minor scale had thus yielded , the instance in hand should enjoy the advantage of the full range of the major ; since most immediately to the point was the question of that SUPPLEMENT of situation logically involved in [[our]_2806-our gentleman]_{2807-our gentleman} 's impulse to deliver [himself]_{2805-this personage of course} in [the [Paris]_1-paris garden]_{2808-the paris garden} on the Sunday afternoon - or if not involved by strict logic then all ideally and enchantingly implied in it . [I]_0-i say "_[0-i] ideally , " because [I]_0-i need scarce mention that for development , for expression of its maximum , [my]_0-i glimmering story was , at the earliest stage , to have nipped the thread of connexion with the possibilities of [the actual reported speaker]_{2809-the actual reported speaker} . [HE]_{2805-this personage of course} remains but the happiest of accidents ; [his]_{2805-this personage of course} actualities , all too definite , precluded any range of possibilities ; it had only been [[his]_{2805-this personage of course} charming office]_{2810-his charming office} to project upon that wide field of [the artist]_{2811-the artist} 's vision - which hangs there ever in place like the white sheet suspended for the figures of [a child]_{2812-a child} 's magic - lantern - a more fantastic and more moveable shadow . No privilege of [the teller of tales and the handler of puppets]_{2813-the teller of tales and the handler of puppets} is more delightful , or has more of the suspense and the thrill of a game of difficulty breathlessly played , than just this business of looking for the unseen and the occult , in a scheme half - grasped , by the light or , so to speak , by the clinging scent , of the gage already in hand . [No dreadful old pursuit of the hidden slave with bloodhounds and the rag of association]_{2814-no dreadful old pursuit of the hidden slave with bloodhounds and the rag of association} can ever , for "_[0-i] excitement , " [I]_0-i judge , have bettered it at its best . For [the dramatist]_{2815-the dramatist} always , by the very law of [his]_{2805-this personage of course} genius , believes not only in a possible right issue from the rightly - conceived tight place ; [he]_{2805-this personage of course} does much more than this - [he]_{2805-this personage of course} believes , irresistibly , in the necessary , the precious "_[0-i] tightness " of the place whatever the issue on the strength of any respectable hint . It being thus the respectable hint that [I]_0-i had with such avidity picked up , what would be the story to which it would most inevitably form the centre ? It is part of the charm attendant on such questions that the ' story , "_[0-i] with the omens true , as [I]_0-i say , puts on from this stage the authenticity of concrete existence . It then is , essentially - it begins to be , though it may more or less obscurely lurk , so that the point is not in the least what to make of it , but only , very delightfully and very damnably , where to put [one]_2797-one 's hand on it . In which truth resides surely much of the interest of that admirable mixture for salutary application which [we]_208-we know as art . Art deals with what [we]_208-we see , it must first contribute full - handed that ingredient ; it plucks its material , otherwise expressed , in the garden of life - which material elsewhere grown is stale and uneatable . But it has no sooner done this than it has to take account of a PROCESS - from which only when it 's the basest of [the servants of [man]_210-man]_{209-the servants of man} , incurring ignominious dismissal with no " character , "_{[209-the servants of man]} does it , and whether under some muddled pretext of morality or on any other , pusillanimously edge away . The process , that of the expression , the literal squeezing - out , of value is another affair - with which the happy luck of mere finding has little to do . The joys of finding , at this stage , are pretty well over ; that quest of the subject as a whole by " matching , "_{[211-the ladies]} as [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} say at [the shops]_{212-the shops} , the big piece with the snippet , having ended , [we]_208-we assume , with a capture . The subject is found , and if the problem is then transferred to the ground of what to do with it the field opens out for any amount of doing . This is precisely the infusion that , as [I]_0-i submit , completes the strong mixture . It is on the other hand the part of the business that can least be likened to the chase with horn and hound . It 's all a sedentary part - involves as much ciphering , of sorts , as would merit the highest salary paid to [a chief accountant]_{213-a chief accountant} . Not , however , that [the chief accountant]_{214-the chief accountant} has n't [HIS]_{214-the chief accountant} gleams of bliss ; for the felicity , or at least the equilibrium of [the artist]_{2811-the artist} 's state dwells less , surely , in the further delightful complications [he]_{214-the chief accountant} can smuggle in than in those [he]_{214-the chief accountant} succeeds in keeping out . [He]_{214-the chief accountant} sows [his]_{214-the chief accountant} seed at the risk of too thick a crop ; wherefore yet again , like [the gentlemen who audit ledgers]_{216-the gentlemen who audit ledgers} , [he]_{214-the chief accountant} must keep [his]_{214-the chief accountant} head at any price . In consequence of all which , for the interest of the matter , [I]_0-i might seem here to have [my]_0-i choice of narrating [my]_0-i " hunt "_[0-i] for [Lambert Strether]_82-strether , of describing the capture of the shadow projected by [[my]_0-i friend]_{217-my friend} 's anecdote , or of reporting on the occurrences subsequent to that triumph . But [I]_0-i had probably best attempt a little to glance in each direction ; since it comes to [me]_0-i again and again , over this licentious record , that one 's bag of adventures , conceived or conceivable , has been only half - emptied by the mere telling of one 's story . It depends so on what one means by that equivocal quantity . There is the story of [one 's hero]_{218-one 's hero} , and then , thanks to the intimate connexion of things , the story of [one]_2797-one 's story itself . [I]_0-i blush to confess it , but if [one]_2797-one 's [a dramatist]_{221-a dramatist} [one]_2797-one 's [a dramatist]_{221-a dramatist} , and [the latter imbroglio]_{224-the latter imbroglio} is liable on occasion to strike [me]_0-i as really the more objective of the two . The philosophy imputed to [him]_{214-the chief accountant} in that beautiful outbreak , the hour there , amid such happy provision , striking for [him]_{214-the chief accountant} , would have been then , on behalf of [my]_0-i [man of imagination , to be logically and , as the artless craft of comedy]_{225-man of imagination , to be logically and , as the artless craft of comedy} has it , " led up "_{[225-man of imagination , to be logically and , as the artless craft of comedy]} to ; the probable course to such a goal , the goal of so conscious a predicament , would have in short to be finely calculated . Where has [he]_{214-the chief accountant} come from and why has [he]_{214-the chief accountant} come , what is [he]_{214-the chief accountant} doing as [we]_226-we [Anglo - Saxons]_{227-anglo - saxons} , and [we]_226-we only , say , in [our]_226-we foredoomed clutch of exotic aids to expression in that galere ? To answer these questions plausibly , to answer them as under cross - examination in the witness - box by [counsel for the prosecution]_{228-counsel for the prosecution} , in other words satisfactorily to account for [Strether]_82-strether and for [his]_82-strether " peculiar tone , "_[0-i] was to possess [myself]_0-i of the entire fabric . At the same time the clue to its whereabouts would lie in a certain principle of probability : [he]_82-strether would n't have indulged in [his]_82-strether peculiar tone without a reason ; it would take a felt predicament or a false position to give [him]_82-strether so ironic an accent . [One]_2797-one had n't been noting " tones "_[2797-one] all [one]_2797-one 's life without recognising when [one]_2797-one heard it the voice of the false position . [The dear man in [the Paris garden]_{2808-the paris garden}]_{232-the dear man in the paris garden} was then admirably and unmistakeably IN one - which was no small point gained ; what next accordingly concerned [us]_226-we was the determination of THIS identity . [One]_2797-one could only go by probabilities , but there was the advantage that the most general of the probabilities were virtual certainties . Possessed of [[our]_226-we friend]_{235-our friend} 's nationality , to start with , there was a general probability in [his]_82-strether narrower localism ; which , for that matter , [one]_2797-one had really but to keep under the lens for an hour to see [it]_237-it give up its secrets . [He]_82-strether would have issued , [our]_226-we rueful worthy , from [the very heart of [New England]_{2-new england}]_{238-the very heart of new england} - at the heels of which matter of course a perfect train of secrets tumbled for [me]_0-i into the light . They had to be sifted and sorted , and [I]_0-i shall not reproduce the detail of that process ; but unmistakeably they were all there , and it was but a question , auspiciously , of picking among them . What the " position "_{[82-strether]} would infallibly be , and why , on [his]_82-strether hands , it had turned " false "_{[82-strether]} - these inductive steps could only be as rapid as they were distinct . [I]_0-i accounted for everything - and " everything "_[0-i] had by this time become the most promising quantity - by the view that [he]_82-strether had come to [Paris]_1-paris in some state of mind which was literally undergoing , as a result of new and unexpected assaults and infusions , a change almost from hour to hour . [He]_82-strether had come with a view that might have been figured by a clear green liquid , say , in a neat glass phial ; and the liquid , once poured into the open cup of APPLICATION , once exposed to the action of another air , had begun to turn from green to red , or whatever , and might , for all [he]_82-strether knew , be on its way to purple , to black , to yellow . At the still wilder extremes represented perhaps , for all [he]_82-strether could say to the contrary , by a variability so violent , [he]_82-strether would at first , naturally , but have gazed in surprise and alarm ; whereby the SITUATION clearly would spring from the play of wildness and the development of extremes . [I]_0-i saw in a moment that , should this development proceed both with force and logic , [my]_0-i ' story " would leave nothing to be desired . There is always , of course , for [the story - teller]_{2816-the story - teller} , the irresistible determinant and the incalculable advantage of [his]_{2816-the story - teller} interest in the story AS SUCH ; it is ever , obviously , overwhelmingly , the prime and precious thing as other than this [I]_0-i have never been able to see it ; as to which what makes for it , with whatever headlong energy , may be said to pale before the energy with which it simply makes for itself . [It]_237-it rejoices , none the less , at its best , to seem to offer itself in a light , to seem to know , and with the very last knowledge , what it 's about - liable as it yet is at moments to be caught by [us]_226-we with [its]_237-it tongue in its cheek and absolutely no warrant but its splendid impudence . Let [us]_226-we grant then that the impudence is always there - there , so to speak , for grace and effect and ALLURE ; there , above all , because the Story is just [the spoiled child of art]_{2817-the spoiled child of art} , and because , as [we]_226-we are always disappointed when the pampered do n't "_[0-i] play up , " [we]_226-we like it , to that extent , to look all its character . It probably does so , in truth , even when [we]_226-we most flatter [ourselves]_226-we that [we]_226-we negotiate with it by treaty . All of which , again , is but to say that the STEPS , for [my]_0-i fable , placed themselves with a prompt and , as it were , functional assurance - an air quite as of readiness to have dispensed with logic had [I]_0-i been in fact too stupid for [my]_0-i clue . Never , positively , none the less , as the links multiplied , had [I]_0-i felt less stupid than for the determination of [poor Strether]_82-strether 's errand and for the apprehension of [his]_82-strether issue . These things continued to fall together , as by the neat action of their own weight and form , even while [[their]_2818-their commentator]_{2819-their commentator} scratched [his]_{2819-their commentator} head about them ; [he]_{2819-their commentator} easily sees now that they were always well in advance of [him]_{2819-their commentator} . As the case completed itself [he]_{2819-their commentator} had in fact , from a good way behind , to catch up with [them]_2818-their , breathless and a little flurried , as [he]_{2819-their commentator} best could . THE false position , for [[our]_226-we belated man of [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{2820-our belated man of the world} - belated because [he]_{2819-their commentator} had endeavoured so long to escape being one , and now at last had really to face [his]_{2819-their commentator} doom - the false position for [him]_{2819-their commentator} , [I]_0-i say , was obviously to have presented [himself]_{2819-their commentator} at the gate of [that boundless menagerie]_{2822-that boundless menagerie} primed with a moral scheme of the most approved pattern which was yet framed to break down on any approach to vivid facts ; that is to any at all liberal appreciation of them . There would have been of course the case of [the Strether]_82-strether prepared , wherever presenting [himself]_82-strether , only to judge and to feel meanly ; but [HE]_82-strether would have moved for [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i confess , enveloped in no legend whatever . [The actual man]_{2823-the actual man} 's note , from the first of [our]_226-we seeing it struck , is the note of discrimination , just as [his]_82-strether drama is to become , under stress , the drama of discrimination . It would have been [his]_82-strether blest imagination , [we]_226-we have seen , that had already helped [him]_82-strether to discriminate ; the element that was for so much of the pleasure of [my]_0-i cutting thick , as [I]_0-i have intimated , into [his]_82-strether intellectual , into [his]_82-strether moral substance . Yet here it was , at the same time , just here , that a shade for a moment fell across the scene . There was the dreadful little old tradition , one of the platitudes of the human comedy , that [people]_2824-people 's moral scheme DOES break down in [Paris]_1-paris ; that nothing is more frequently observed ; that [hundreds of thousands of more or less hypocritical or more or less cynical persons]_{2825-hundreds of thousands of more or less hypocritical or more or less cynical persons} annually visit [the place]_{2826-the place} for the sake of the probable catastrophe , and that [I]_0-i came late in the day to work [myself]_0-i up about it . There was in fine the TRIVIAL association , one of the vulgarest in [the world]_{2804-the world} ; but which give [me]_0-i pause no longer , [I]_0-i think , simply because its vulgarity is so advertised . The revolution performed by [Strether]_82-strether under the influence of the most interesting of [great cities]_{2828-great cities} was to have nothing to do with any betise of the imputably "_[0-i] tempted " state ; [he]_82-strether was to be thrown forward , rather , thrown quite with violence , upon [his]_82-strether lifelong trick of intense reflexion : which friendly test indeed was to bring [him]_82-strether out , through winding passages , through alternations of darkness and light , very much IN [Paris]_1-paris , but with the surrounding scene itself a minor matter , a mere symbol for more things than had been dreamt of in the philosophy of [Woollett]_87-woollett . [Another surrounding scene]_{2829-another surrounding scene} would have done as well for [our]_2830-our show could it have represented [a place in which [Strether]_82-strether 's errand was likely to lie and [his]_82-strether crisis to await [him]_82-strether]_{2831-a place in which strether 's errand was likely to lie and his crisis to await him} . [The LIKELY place]_{2832-the likely place} had the great merit of sparing [me]_0-i preparations ; there would have been too many involved - not at all impossibilities , only rather worrying and delaying difficulties - in positing elsewhere [Chad Newsome]_111-chad 's interesting relation , [his]_82-strether so interesting complexity of relations . [Strether]_82-strether 's appointed stage , in fine , could be but [Chad]_111-chad 's most luckily selected one . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} had gone in , as [they]_2834-they say , for circumjacent charm ; and where [he]_{2833-the young man} would have found it , by the turn of [his]_{2833-the young man} mind , most "_[0-i] authentic , " was where [[his]_{2833-the young man} earnest friend]_{2835-his earnest friend} 's analysis would most find [HIM]_{2833-the young man} ; as well as where , for that matter , [the former 's whole analytic faculty]_{2836-the former 's whole analytic faculty} would be led such a wonderful dance . "_{[203-the ambassadors]} [The Ambassadors]_{203-the ambassadors} " had been , all conveniently , "_{[203-the ambassadors]} arranged for " ; its first appearance was from month to month , in the North American Review during 1903 , and [I]_0-i had been open from far back to any pleasant provocation for ingenuity that might reside in [one]_2797-one 's actively adopting - so as to make it , in its way , a small compositional law - recurrent breaks and resumptions . [I]_0-i had made up [my]_0-i mind here regularly to exploit and enjoy these often rather rude jolts - having found , as [I]_0-i believed an admirable way to it ; yet every question of form and pressure , [I]_0-i easily remember , paled in the light of the major propriety , recognised as soon as really weighed ; that of employing but one centre and keeping it all within [[my]_0-i hero]_{2799-my hero} 's compass . The thing was to be so much [this worthy]_{2839-this worthy} 's intimate adventure that even the projection of [his]_{2839-this worthy} consciousness upon it from beginning to end without intermission or deviation would probably still leave a part of its value for [him]_{2839-this worthy} , and a fortiori for [ourselves]_{2840-ourselves} , unexpressed . [I]_0-i might , however , express every grain of it that there would be room for - on condition of contriving a splendid particular economy . [Other persons in no small number]_{2841-other persons in no small number} were to people the scene , and each with [his]_2842-his or [her]_2843-her axe to grind , [his]_2842-his or [her]_2843-her situation to treat , [his]_2842-his or [her]_2843-her coherency not to fail of , [his]_2842-his or [her]_2843-her relation to [my]_0-i leading motive , in a word , to establish and carry on . But [Strether]_82-strether 's sense of these things , and [Strether]_82-strether 's only , should avail [me]_0-i for showing [them]_2844-them ; [I]_0-i should know them but through [his]_{2839-this worthy} more or less groping knowledge of them , since [his]_{2839-this worthy} very gropings would figure among [his]_{2839-this worthy} most interesting motions , and a full observance of the rich rigour [I]_0-i speak of would give [me]_0-i more of the effect [I]_0-i should be most "_[0-i] after " than all other possible observances together . It would give [me]_{203-the ambassadors} a large unity , and that in turn would crown [me]_{203-the ambassadors} with the grace to which [the enlightened story - teller]_{2845-the enlightened story - teller} will at any time , for [his]_{2839-this worthy} interest , sacrifice if need be all other graces whatever . [I]_{203-the ambassadors} refer of course to the grace of intensity , which there are ways of signally achieving and ways of signally missing - as [we]_2846-we see it , all round [us]_2846-we , helplessly and woefully missed . Not that it is n't , on the other hand , a virtue eminently subject to appreciation - there being no strict , no absolute measure of it ; so that [one]_2797-one may hear it acclaimed where it has quite escaped [one]_2797-one 's perception , and see it unnoticed where [one]_2797-one has gratefully hailed it . After all of which [I]_{203-the ambassadors} am not sure , either , that the immense amusement of the whole cluster of difficulties so arrayed may not operate , for [the fond fabulist]_{2850-the fond fabulist} , when judicious not less than fond , as [his]_{2839-this worthy} best of determinants . That charming principle is always there , at all events , to keep interest fresh : it is a principle , [we]_2846-we remember , essentially ravenous , without scruple and without mercy , appeased with no cheap nor easy nourishment . It enjoys the costly sacrifice and rejoices thereby in the very odour of difficulty - even as ogres , with [their]_2851-their "_{[203-the ambassadors]} Fee - faw - fum ! " rejoice in the smell of the blood of [Englishmen]_{2852-englishmen} . Thus it was , at all events , that the ultimate , though after all so speedy , definition of [[my]_111-chad gentleman]_{2853-my gentleman} 's job - [his]_240-his coming out , all solemnly appointed and deputed , to ' save "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad , and [his]_240-his then finding [the young man]_{2833-the young man} so disobligingly and , at first , so bewilderingly not lost that a new issue altogether , in the connexion , prodigiously faces [them]_242-them , which has to be dealt with in a new light - promised as many calls on ingenuity and on the higher branches of the compositional art as one could possibly desire . Again and yet again , as , from book to book , [I]_0-i proceed with [my]_0-i survey , [I]_0-i find no source of interest equal to this verification after the fact , as [I]_0-i may call it , and the more in detail the better , of the scheme of consistency " gone in "_[0-i] for . As always - since the charm never fails - the retracing of the process from point to point brings back the old illusion . The old intentions bloom again and flower - in spite of all the blossoms they were to have dropped by the way . This is the charm , as [I]_0-i say , of adventure TRANSPOSED - the thrilling ups and downs , the intricate ins and outs of the compositional problem , made after such a fashion admirably objective , becoming the question at issue and keeping [the author]_{243-the author} 's heart in [his]_{243-the author} mouth . Such an element , for instance , as [his]_{243-the author} intention that [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , away off with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} finger on the pulse of [Massachusetts]_{89-massachusetts} , should yet be no less intensely than circuitously present through the whole thing , should be no less felt as to be reckoned with than the most direct exhibition , the finest portrayal at first hand could make [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , such a sign of artistic good faith , [I]_0-i say , once it 's unmistakeably there , takes on again an actuality not too much impaired by the comparative dimness of the particular success . Cherished intention too inevitably acts and operates , in the book , about fifty times as little as [I]_0-i had fondly dreamt it might ; but that scarce spoils for [me]_0-i the pleasure of recognising the fifty ways in which [I]_0-i had sought to provide for it . The mere charm of seeing such an idea constituent , in its degree ; the fineness of the measures taken - a real extension , if successful , of the very terms and possibilities of representation and figuration - such things alone were , after this fashion , inspiring , such things alone were a gage of the probable success of that dissimulated calculation with which the whole effort was to square . But oh the cares begotten , none the less , of that same " judicious "_{[244-readers]} sacrifice to a particular form of interest ! One 's work should have composition , because composition alone is positive beauty ; but all the while - apart from one 's inevitable consciousness too of the dire paucity of [readers]_244-readers ever recognising or ever missing positive beauty - how , as to the cheap and easy , at every turn , how , as to immediacy and facility , and even as to the commoner vivacity , positive beauty might have to be sweated for and paid for ! Once achieved and installed it may always be trusted to make [the poor seeker]_{245-the poor seeker} feel [he]_{245-the poor seeker} would have blushed to the roots of [his]_{245-the poor seeker} hair for failing of it ; yet , how , as its virtue can be essentially but the virtue of the whole , the wayside traps set in the interest of muddlement and pleading but the cause of the moment , of the particular bit in itself , have to be kicked out of the path ! All the sophistications in life , for example , might have appeared to muster on behalf of the menace - the menace to a bright variety - involved in [Strether]_82-strether 's having all the subjective ' say , " as it were , to [himself]_82-strether . Had [I]_82-strether , meanwhile , made [him]_82-strether at once [hero]_2854-hero and [historian]_{2855-historian} , endowed [him]_82-strether with the romantic privilege of [the "_{[82-strether]} first person]_{2856-the " first person} " - the darkest abyss of romance this , inveterately , when enjoyed on the grand scale - variety , and many other queer matters as well , might have been smuggled in by a back door . Suffice it , to be brief , that [the first person]_{2857-the first person} , in the long piece , is a form foredoomed to looseness and that looseness , never much [my]_{92-gil blas} affair , had never been so little so as on this particular occasion . All of which reflexions flocked to the standard from the moment - a very early one - the question of how to keep [my]_{92-gil blas} form amusing while sticking so close to [my]_{92-gil blas} central figure and constantly taking its pattern from [him]_82-strether had to be faced . [He]_82-strether arrives arrives at [Chester]_3-chester as for the dreadful purpose of giving [[his]_82-strether creator]_{2858-his creator} "_{[92-gil blas]} no end " to tell about [him]_82-strether - before which rigorous mission [the serenest of creators]_{2859-the serenest of creators} might well have quailed . [I]_{92-gil blas} was far from the serenest ; [I]_{92-gil blas} was more than agitated enough to reflect that , grimly deprived of one alternative or one substitute for "_{[92-gil blas]} telling , " [I]_{92-gil blas} must address [myself]_{92-gil blas} tooth and nail to another . [I]_{92-gil blas} could n't , save by implication , make [other persons]_{2860-other persons} tell [EACH OTHER]_{90-each other} about [him]_82-strether - blest resource , blest necessity , of the drama , which reaches its effects of unity , all remarkably , by paths absolutely opposite to the paths of the novel : with other persons , save as [they]_{2860-other persons} were primarily [[HIS]_82-strether persons]_{2861-his persons} not [he]_82-strether primarily but [one of [theirs]_{2860-other persons}]_{2862-one of theirs} , [I]_{92-gil blas} had simply nothing to do . [I]_{92-gil blas} had relations for [him]_82-strether none the less , by the mercy of [Providence]_{91-providence} , quite as much as if [my]_{92-gil blas} exhibition was to be a muddle ; if [I]_{92-gil blas} could only by implication and a show of consequence make [other persons]_{2860-other persons} tell [each other]_{2864-each other} about [him]_82-strether , [I]_{92-gil blas} could at least make [him]_82-strether tell [THEM]_{2860-other persons} whatever in [the world]_{2804-the world} [he]_82-strether must ; and could so , by the same token - which was a further luxury thrown in - see straight into the deep differences between what that could do for [me]_{92-gil blas} , or at all events for [HIM]_82-strether , and the large ease of "_{[92-gil blas]} autobiography . " It may be asked why , if [one]_2797-one so keeps to [[one]_2797-one 's hero]_{218-one 's hero} , one should n't make a single mouthful of "_{[92-gil blas]} method , " should n't throw the reins on [his]_82-strether neck and , letting them flap there as free as in "_{[92-gil blas]} [Gil Blas]_{92-gil blas} " or in "_{[92-gil blas]} [David Copperfield]_{93-david copperfield} , " equip [him]_82-strether with the double privilege of subject and object - a course that has at least the merit of brushing away questions at a sweep . The answer to which is , [I]_{93-david copperfield} think , that one makes that surrender only if [one]_2797-one is prepared NOT to make certain precious discriminations . [The "_{[93-david copperfield]} first person "]_{2870-the " first person "} then , so employed , is addressed by [the author]_{243-the author} directly to [ourselves]_2872-our , [[his]_{243-the author} possible readers]_{2873-his possible readers} , whom [he]_{243-the author} has to reckon with , at the best , by [our]_2872-our English tradition , so loosely and vaguely after all , so little respectfully , on so scant a presumption of exposure to criticism . [Strether]_82-strether , on the other hand , encaged and provided for as "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} [The Ambassadors "]_{94-the ambassadors "} encages and provides , has to keep in view proprieties much stiffer and more salutary than any [our]_2872-our straight and credulous gape are likely to bring [home]_2874-home to [him]_82-strether , has exhibitional conditions to meet , in a word , that forbid the terrible FLUIDITY of self - revelation . [I]_{94-the ambassadors "} may seem not to better the case for [my]_{94-the ambassadors "} discrimination if [I]_{94-the ambassadors "} say that , for [my]_{94-the ambassadors "} first care , [I]_{94-the ambassadors "} had thus inevitably to set [him]_82-strether up [a confidant or two]_{2875-a confidant or two} , to wave away with energy the custom of the seated mass of explanation after the fact , the inserted block of merely referential narrative , which flourishes so , to the shame of the modern impatience , on the serried page of [Balzac]_95-balzac , but which seems simply to appal [our]_2872-our actual , [our]_2872-our general weaker , digestion . "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} Harking back to make up " took at any rate more doing , as the phrase is , not only than [the reader of to - day]_{2876-the reader of to - day} demands , but than [he]_82-strether will tolerate at any price any call upon [him]_82-strether either to understand or remotely to measure ; and for the beauty of the thing when done the current editorial mind in particular appears wholly without sense . It is not , however , primarily for either of these reasons , whatever their weight , that [[Strether]_82-strether 's friend]_{2877-strether 's friend} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh is so keenly clutched at , on the threshold of the book , or that no less a pounce is made on [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie - without even the pretext , either , of [HER]_97-mamie being , in essence , [[Strether]_82-strether 's friend]_{2877-strether 's friend} . [She]_97-mamie is [[the reader]_{202-the reader} 's friend]_{2880-the reader 's friend} much rather - in consequence of dispositions that make [him]_82-strether so eminently require [one]_2797-one ; and [she]_97-mamie acts in that capacity , and REALLY in that capacity alone , with exemplary devotion from beginning to and of the book . [She]_97-mamie is [an enrolled]_{2882-an enrolled} , a direct , aid to lucidity ; [she]_97-mamie is in fine , to tear off [her]_97-mamie mask , the most unmitigated and abandoned of ficelles . Half [the dramatist]_{2815-the dramatist} 's art , as [we]_2884-we well know - since if [we]_2884-we do n't it 's not the fault of the proofs that lie scattered about [us]_2884-we - is in the use of ficelles ; by which [I]_{94-the ambassadors "} mean in a deep dissimulation of [his]_82-strether dependence on them . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh only to a slighter degree belongs , in the whole business , less to [my]_{94-the ambassadors "} subject than to [my]_{94-the ambassadors "} treatment of it ; the interesting proof , in these connexions , being that [one]_2797-one has but to take [one]_2797-one 's subject for the stuff of drama to interweave with enthusiasm as many [Gostreys]_98-gostreys as need be . The material of "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} The Ambassadors , " conforming in this respect exactly to that of "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} The Wings of the Dove , " published just before it , is taken absolutely for the stuff of drama ; so that , availing [myself]_{203-the ambassadors} of the opportunity given [me]_{203-the ambassadors} by this edition for some prefatory remarks on the latter work , [I]_{203-the ambassadors} had mainly to make on its behalf the point of its scenic consistency . It disguises that virtue , in the oddest way in [the world]_{2804-the world} , by just LOOKING , as [we]_2884-we turn its pages , as little scenic as possible ; but it sharply divides itself , just as the composition before [us]_2884-we does , into the parts that prepare , that tend in fact to over - prepare , for scenes , and the parts , or otherwise into the scenes , that justify and crown the preparation . It may definitely be said , [I]_{203-the ambassadors} think , that everything in it that is not scene not , [I]_{203-the ambassadors} of course mean , complete and functional scene , treating ALL the submitted matter , as by logical start , logical turn , and logical finish is discriminated preparation , is the fusion and synthesis of picture . These alternations propose themselves all recogniseably , [I]_{203-the ambassadors} think , from an early stage , as the very form and figure of "_{[203-the ambassadors]} [The Ambassadors]_{203-the ambassadors} " ; so that , to repeat , such an agent as [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} pre - engaged at a high salary , but waits in the draughty wing with [her]_{99-miss gostrey} shawl and [her]_{99-miss gostrey} smelling - salts . [Her]_{99-miss gostrey} function speaks at once for itself , and by the time [she]_{99-miss gostrey} has dined with [Strether]_82-strether in [London]_4-london and gone to a play with [him]_82-strether [her]_{99-miss gostrey} intervention as [a ficelle]_{2888-a ficelle} is , [I]_{94-the ambassadors "} hold , expertly justified . Thanks to it [we]_2884-we have treated scenically , and scenically alone , the whole lumpish question of [Strether]_82-strether 's "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} past , " which has seen [us]_2884-we more happily on the way than anything else could have done ; [we]_2884-we have strained to a high lucidity and vivacity or at least [we]_2884-we hope [we]_2884-we have certain indispensable facts ; [we]_2884-we have seen [[our]_2884-we two or three immediate friends]_{2889-our two or three immediate friends} all conveniently and profitably in "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} action " ; to say nothing of [our]_2884-we beginning to descry [others]_2890-others , of a remoter intensity , getting into motion , even if a bit vaguely as yet , for [our]_2884-we further enrichment . Let [my]_{94-the ambassadors "} first point be here that the scene in question , that in which the whole situation at [Woollett]_87-woollett and the complex forces that have propelled [[my]_{94-the ambassadors "} hero]_{2799-my hero} to where [this lively extractor of [his]_{2799-my hero} value and distiller of [his]_{2799-my hero} essence]_{2892-this lively extractor of his value and distiller of his essence} awaits [him]_{2799-my hero} , is normal and entire , is really an excellent STANDARD scene ; copious , comprehensive , and accordingly never short , but with [its]_87-woollett office as definite as that of the hammer on the gong of the clock , the office of expressing ALL THAT IS IN the hour . The "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} ficelle " character of [the subordinate party]_{2893-the subordinate party} is as artfully dissimulated , throughout , as may be , and to that extent that , with the seams or joints of [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie 's ostensible connectedness taken particular care of , duly smoothed over , that is , and anxiously kept from showing as "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} pieced on ; " this figure doubtless achieves , after a fashion , something of the dignity of a prime idea : which circumstance but shows [us]_2884-we afresh how many quite incalculable but none the less clear sources of enjoyment for [the infatuated artist]_{2894-the infatuated artist} , how many copious springs of [our]_2884-we never - to - be - slighted "_{[94-the ambassadors "]} fun " for [the reader]_{202-the reader} and critic susceptible of contagion , may sound [their]_249-their incidental plash as soon as an artistic process begins to enjoy free development . Exquisite - in illustration of this - the mere interest and amusement of such at once "_{[203-the ambassadors]} creative " and critical questions as how and where and why to make [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's false connexion carry itself , under a due high polish , as a real one . Nowhere is it more of an artful expedient for mere consistency of form , to mention a case , than in the last ' scene "_{[203-the ambassadors]} of the book , where its function is to give or to add nothing whatever , but only to express as vividly as possible certain things quite other than itself and that are of the already fixed and appointed measure . Since , however , all art is EXPRESSION , and is thereby vividness , one was to find the door open here to any amount of delightful dissimulation . These verily are the refinements and ecstasies of method - amid which , or certainly under the influence of any exhilarated demonstration of which , one must keep [one]_2797-one 's head and not lose [one]_2797-one 's way . To cultivate an adequate intelligence for [them]_249-their and to make that sense operative is positively to find a charm in any produced ambiguity of appearance that is not by the same stroke , and all helplessly , an ambiguity of sense . To project imaginatively , for [[my]_0-i hero]_{2799-my hero} , a relation that has nothing to do with the matter the matter of [my]_0-i subject but has everything to do with the manner the manner of [my]_0-i presentation of the same and yet to treat it , at close quarters and for fully economic expression 's possible sake , as if it were important and essential - to do that sort of thing and yet muddle nothing may easily become , as one goes , a signally attaching proposition ; even though it all remains but part and parcel , [I]_0-i hasten to recognise , of the merely general and related question of expressional curiosity and expressional decency . [I]_0-i am moved to add after so much insistence on the scenic side of [my]_0-i labour that [I]_0-i have found the steps of re - perusal almost as much waylaid here by quite another style of effort in the same signal interest - or have in other words not failed to note how , even so associated and so discriminated , the finest proprieties and charms of the non - scenic may , under the right hand for [them]_249-their , still keep [their]_249-their intelligibility and assert [their]_249-their office . Infinitely suggestive such an observation as this last on the whole delightful head , where representation is concerned , of possible variety , of effective expressional change and contrast . [One]_2797-one would like , at such an hour as this , for critical licence , to go into the matter of the noted inevitable deviation from too fond an original vision that the exquisite treachery even of the straightest execution may ever be trusted to inflict even on the most mature plan - the case being that , though one 's last reconsidered production always seems to bristle with that particular evidence , " The Ambassadors "_[0-i] would place a flood of such light at [my]_0-i service . [I]_0-i must attach to [my]_0-i final remark here a different import ; noting in the other connexion [I]_0-i just glanced at that such passages as that of [[my]_0-i hero]_{2799-my hero} 's first encounter with [Chad Newsome]_111-chad , absolute attestations of the non - scenic form though they be , yet lay the firmest hand too - so far at least as intention goes - on representational effect . To report at all closely and completely of what " passes "_[111-chad] on a given occasion is inevitably to become more or less scenic ; and yet in the instance [I]_0-i allude to , WITH the conveyance , expressional curiosity and expressional decency are sought and arrived at under quite another law . The true inwardness of this may be at bottom but that one of the suffered treacheries has consisted precisely , for [Chad]_111-chad 's whole figure and presence , of a direct presentability diminished and compromised - despoiled , that is , of its PROPORTIONAL advantage ; so that , in a word , the whole economy of [[his]_111-chad author]_{253-his author} 's relation to [him]_111-chad has at important points to be redetermined . The book , however , critically viewed , is touchingly full of these disguised and repaired losses , these insidious recoveries , these intensely redemptive consistencies . The pages in which [Mamie Pocock]_100-mamie gives [her]_100-mamie appointed and , [I]_0-i ca n't but think , duly felt lift to the whole action by the so inscrutably - applied side - stroke or short - cut of [our]_254-our just watching and as quite at an angle of vision as yet untried , [her]_100-mamie single hour of suspense in [the hotel salon]_{255-the hotel salon} , in [our]_254-our partaking of [her]_100-mamie concentrated study of the sense of matters bearing on [her]_100-mamie own case , all the bright warm Paris afternoon , from [the balcony that overlooks [the Tuileries garden]_{257-the tuileries garden}]_{256-the balcony that overlooks the tuileries garden} - these are as marked an example of the representational virtue that insists here and there on being , for the charm of opposition and renewal , other than the scenic . It would n't take much to make [me]_0-i further argue that from an equal play of such oppositions the book gathers an intensity that fairly adds to the dramatic - though the latter is supposed to be the sum of all intensities ; or that has at any rate nothing to fear from juxtaposition with it . [I]_0-i consciously fail to shrink in fact from that extravagance - [I]_0-i risk it rather , for the sake of the moral involved ; which is not that the particular production before [us]_254-our exhausts the interesting questions it raises , but that the Novel remains still , under the right persuasion , the most independent , most elastic , most prodigious of literary forms . [HENRY JAMES]_{81-henry james} . Book First [I]_0-i [Strether]_82-strether 's first question , when [he]_82-strether reached [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} , was about [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} ; yet on [his]_82-strether learning that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was apparently not to arrive till evening [he]_82-strether was not wholly disconcerted . A telegram from [him]_82-strether bespeaking [a room]_{260-a room} " only if not noisy , "_{[82-strether]} reply paid , was produced for [the enquirer]_{261-the enquirer} at [the office]_{262-the office} , so that the understanding [they]_263-they should meet at [Chester]_3-chester rather than at [Liverpool]_5-liverpool remained to that extent sound . The same secret principle , however , that had prompted [Strether]_82-strether not absolutely to desire [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's presence at [the dock]_{264-the dock} , that had led [him]_82-strether thus to postpone for a few hours [his]_82-strether enjoyment of it , now operated to make [him]_82-strether feel [he]_82-strether could still wait without disappointment . [They]_263-they would dine together at the worst , and , with all respect to [dear old Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - if not even , for that matter , to [himself]_82-strether - there was little fear that in the sequel [they]_263-they should n't see enough of [each other]_{2864-each other} . The principle [I]_0-i have just mentioned as operating had been , with [the most newly disembarked of [the two men]_{267-the two men}]_{266-the most newly disembarked of the two men} , wholly instinctive - the fruit of a sharp sense that , delightful as it would be to find [himself]_82-strether looking , after so much separation , into [[his]_82-strether comrade]_{268-his comrade} 's face , [his]_82-strether business would be a trifle bungled should [he]_82-strether simply arrange for this countenance to present itself to [the nearing steamer]_{269-the nearing steamer} as the first " note , "_{[82-strether]} of [Europe]_6-europe . Mixed with everything was the apprehension , already , on [Strether]_82-strether 's part , that it would , at best , throughout , prove the note of [Europe]_6-europe in quite a sufficient degree . That note had been meanwhile - since the previous afternoon , thanks to this happier device - such a consciousness of personal freedom as [he]_82-strether had n't known for years ; such a deep taste of change and of having above all for the moment [nobody]_270-nobody and nothing to consider , as promised already , if headlong hope were not too foolish , to colour [his]_82-strether adventure with cool success . There were people on [the ship]_{271-the ship} with whom [he]_82-strether had easily consorted - so far as ease could up to now be imputed to [him]_82-strether - and who for the most part plunged straight into the current that set from [the landing - stage]_{272-the landing - stage} to [London]_4-london ; there were [others who had invited [him]_82-strether to a tryst at [the inn]_{274-the inn} and had even invoked [his]_82-strether aid for a " look round "_{[276-every one alike]} at [the beauties of [Liverpool]_5-liverpool]_{275-the beauties of liverpool}]_{273-others who had invited him to a tryst at the inn and had even invoked his aid for a " look round " at the beauties of liverpool} ; but [he]_82-strether had stolen away from [every one alike]_{276-every one alike} , had kept no appointment and renewed no acquaintance , had been indifferently aware of the number of persons who esteemed [themselves]_{277-themselves} fortunate in being , unlike [himself]_82-strether , " met , "_{[276-every one alike]} and had even independently , unsociably , alone , without encounter or relapse and by mere quiet evasion , given [his]_82-strether afternoon and evening to the immediate and the sensible . [They]_278-they formed a qualified draught of [Europe]_6-europe , an afternoon and an evening on [the banks of [the Mersey]_{7-the mersey}]_{279-the banks of the mersey} , but such as it was [he]_82-strether took [his]_82-strether potion at least undiluted . [He]_82-strether winced a little , truly , at the thought that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh might be already at [Chester]_3-chester ; [he]_82-strether reflected that , should [he]_82-strether have to describe [himself]_82-strether there as having " got in "_{[82-strether]} so early , it would be difficult to make [the interval]_{280-the interval} look particularly eager ; but [he]_82-strether was like [a man who , elatedly finding in [his]_82-strether pocket]_{281-a man who , elatedly finding in his pocket} more money than usual , handles it a while and idly and pleasantly chinks it before addressing [himself]_82-strether to the business of spending . That [he]_82-strether was prepared to be vague to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh about the hour of [the ship]_{271-the ship} 's touching , and that [he]_82-strether both wanted extremely to see [him]_96-waymarsh and enjoyed extremely the duration of delay - these things , it is to be conceived , were early signs in [him]_82-strether that [his]_82-strether relation to [his]_82-strether actual errand might prove none of the simplest . [He]_82-strether was burdened , [poor Strether]_82-strether - it had better be confessed at the outset - with the oddity of a double consciousness . There was detachment in [his]_82-strether zeal and curiosity in [his]_82-strether indifference . After [the young woman in the glass cage]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} had held up to [him]_82-strether across [her]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} counter the pale - pink leaflet bearing [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's name , which [she]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} neatly pronounced , [he]_82-strether turned away to find [himself]_82-strether , in [the hall]_{285-the hall} , facing [a lady who met [his]_82-strether eyes as with an intention suddenly determined , and whose features - not freshly young , not markedly fine , but on happy terms with [each other]_{2864-each other}]_{286-a lady who met his eyes as with an intention suddenly determined , and whose features - not freshly young , not markedly fine , but on happy terms with each other} - came back to [him]_82-strether as from a recent vision . For a moment [they]_288-they stood confronted ; then the moment placed [her]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} : [he]_82-strether had noticed [her]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} the day before , noticed [her]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} at [[his]_82-strether previous inn]_{289-his previous inn} , where - again in [the hall]_{285-the hall} - [she]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} had been briefly engaged with [some people of [[his]_82-strether own ship 's company]_{292-his own ship 's company}]_{291-some people of his own ship 's company} . Nothing had actually passed between [them]_288-they , and [he]_82-strether would as little have been able to say what had been the sign of [her]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} face for [him]_82-strether on the first occasion as to name the ground of [his]_82-strether present recognition . Recognition at any rate appeared to prevail on [her]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} own side as well - which would only have added to the mystery . All [she]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} now began by saying to [him]_82-strether nevertheless was that , having chanced to catch [his]_82-strether enquiry , [she]_{283-the young woman in the glass cage} was moved to ask , by [his]_82-strether leave , if it were possibly a question of [[Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh of [Milrose Connecticut]_{8-milrose connecticut}]_{293-mr. waymarsh of milrose connecticut} - [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [the American lawyer]_{294-the american lawyer} . " Oh yes , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether replied , " [[my]_82-strether very well - known friend]_{2896-my very well - known friend} . [He]_{2896-my very well - known friend} 's to meet [me]_82-strether here , coming up from [Malvern]_9-malvern , and [I]_82-strether supposed [he]_{2896-my very well - known friend} 'd already have arrived . But [he]_{2896-my very well - known friend} does n't come till later , and [I]_82-strether 'm relieved not to have kept [him]_{2896-my very well - known friend} . Do [you]_295-her know [him]_{2896-my very well - known friend} ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether wound up . It was n't till after [he]_82-strether had spoken that [he]_82-strether became aware of how much there had been in [him]_82-strether of response ; when the tone of [her]_295-her own rejoinder , as well as the play of something more in [her]_295-her face - something more , that is , than its apparently usual restless light - seemed to notify [him]_82-strether . " [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} 've met [him]_{2896-my very well - known friend} at [Milrose]_104-milrose - where [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} used sometimes , a good while ago , to stay ; [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} had [[friends]_2897-friends there who were [friends of [his]_{2896-my very well - known friend}]_{2899-friends of his} , and [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} 've been at [[his]_{2896-my very well - known friend} house]_{2900-his house}]_{2898-friends there who were friends of his , and i 've been at his house} . [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} wo n't answer for it that [he]_{2896-my very well - known friend} would know [me]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} , "_{[296-strether 's new acquaintance]} [[Strether]_82-strether 's new acquaintance]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} pursued ; " but [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} should be delighted to see [him]_{2896-my very well - known friend} . Perhaps , "_{[296-strether 's new acquaintance]} [she]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} added , " [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} shall - for [I]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} 'm staying over . "_{[296-strether 's new acquaintance]} [She]_{296-strether 's new acquaintance} paused while [[our]_297-they friend]_{235-our friend} took in these things , and it was as if a good deal of talk had already passed . [They]_297-they even vaguely smiled at it , and [Strether]_82-strether presently observed that [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would , no doubt , be easily to be seen . This , however , appeared to affect [the lady]_{299-the lady} as if [she]_{299-the lady} might have advanced too far . [She]_{299-the lady} appeared to have no reserves about anything . " Oh , "_{[299-the lady]} [she]_{299-the lady} said , " [he]_96-waymarsh wo n't care ! "_{[299-the lady]} - and [she]_{299-the lady} immediately thereupon remarked that [she]_{299-the lady} believed [Strether]_82-strether knew [the Munsters]_{101-the munsters} ; [the Munsters]_{300-the munsters} being [the people [he]_82-strether had seen [her]_{299-the lady} with at [Liverpool]_5-liverpool]_{301-the people he had seen her with at liverpool} . But [he]_82-strether did n't , it happened , know [the Munsters]_{101-the munsters} well enough to give the case much of a lift ; so that [they]_297-they were left together as if over the mere laid table of conversation . [Her]_{299-the lady} qualification of the mentioned connexion had rather removed than placed a dish , and there seemed nothing else to serve . [Their]_297-they attitude remained , none the less , that of not forsaking the board ; and the effect of this in turn was to give [them]_297-they the appearance of having accepted [each other]_{2864-each other} with an absence of preliminaries practically complete . [They]_297-they moved along [the hall]_{285-the hall} together , and [[Strether]_82-strether 's companion]_{304-strether 's companion} threw off that [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} had the advantage of [a garden]_{306-a garden} . [He]_82-strether was aware by this time of [his]_82-strether strange inconsequence : [he]_82-strether had shirked the intimacies of [the steamer]_{307-the steamer} and had muffled the shock of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh only to find [himself]_82-strether forsaken , in this sudden case , both of avoidance and of caution . [He]_82-strether passed , under this unsought protection and before [he]_82-strether had so much as gone up to [[his]_82-strether room]_{308-his room} , into [the garden of [the hotel]_{258-the hotel}]_{309-the garden of the hotel} , and at the end of ten minutes had agreed to meet [there]_311-there again , as soon as [he]_82-strether should have made [himself]_82-strether tidy , the dispenser of such good assurances . [He]_82-strether wanted to look at [the town]_{312-the town} , and [they]_313-they would forthwith look together . It was almost as if [she]_314-her had been in possession and received [him]_82-strether as [a guest]_{315-a guest} . [Her]_314-her acquaintance with [the place]_{2826-the place} presented [her]_314-her in a manner as [a hostess]_{317-a hostess} , and [Strether]_82-strether had a rueful glance for [the lady in the glass cage]_{318-the lady in the glass cage} . It was as if [this personage]_{319-this personage} had seen [herself]_314-her instantly superseded . When in a quarter of an hour [he]_82-strether came down , what [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} saw , what [she]_{320-his hostess} might have taken in with a vision kindly adjusted , was [the lean , the slightly loose figure of a man of the middle height and something more perhaps than the middle age]_{321-the lean , the slightly loose figure of a man of the middle height and something more perhaps than the middle age} - [a man of five - and - fifty , whose most immediate signs were a marked bloodless brownness of face]_{322-a man of five - and - fifty , whose most immediate signs were a marked bloodless brownness of face} , a thick dark moustache , of characteristically American cut , growing strong and falling low , a head of hair still abundant but irregularly streaked with grey , and a nose of bold free prominence , the even line , the high finish , as it might have been called , of which , had a certain effect of mitigation . A perpetual pair of glasses astride of this fine ridge , and a line , unusually deep and drawn , the prolonged pen - stroke of time , accompanying the curve of the moustache from nostril to chin , did something to complete the facial furniture that [an attentive observer]_{323-an attentive observer} would have seen catalogued , on the spot , in the vision of [the other party to [Strether]_82-strether 's appointment]_{324-the other party to strether 's appointment} . [She]_314-her waited for [him]_82-strether in [the garden]_{325-the garden} , the other party , drawing on a pair of singularly fresh soft and elastic light gloves and presenting [herself]_314-her with a superficial readiness which , as [he]_82-strether approached [her]_314-her over [the small smooth lawn]_{326-the small smooth lawn} and in the watery English sunshine , [he]_82-strether might , with [his]_82-strether rougher preparation , have marked as the model for such an occasion . [She]_314-her had , [this lady]_{327-this lady} , a perfect plain propriety , an expensive subdued suitability , that [[her]_314-her companion]_{328-her companion} was not free to analyse , but that struck [him]_82-strether , so that [his]_82-strether consciousness of it was instantly acute , as a quality quite new to [him]_82-strether . Before reaching [her]_314-her [he]_82-strether stopped on the grass and went through the form of feeling for something , possibly forgotten , in the light overcoat [he]_82-strether carried on [his]_82-strether arm ; yet the essence of the act was no more than the impulse to gain time . Nothing could have been odder than [Strether]_82-strether 's sense of [himself]_82-strether as at that moment launched in something of which the sense would be quite disconnected from the sense of [his]_82-strether past and which was literally beginning there and then . It had begun in fact already [upstairs]_329-upstairs and before the dressing glass that struck [him]_82-strether as blocking further , so strangely , the dimness of the window of [[his]_82-strether dull bedroom]_{330-his dull bedroom} ; begun with a sharper survey of the elements of Appearance than [he]_82-strether had for a long time been moved to make . [He]_82-strether had during those moments felt these elements to be not so much to [his]_82-strether hand as [he]_82-strether should have liked , and then had fallen back on the thought that they were precisely a matter as to which help was supposed to come from what [he]_82-strether was about to do . [He]_82-strether was about to go up to [London]_4-london , so that hat and necktie might wait . What had come as straight to [him]_82-strether as a ball in a well - played game - and caught moreover not less neatly - was just the air , in the person of [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} , of having seen and chosen , the air of achieved possession of those vague qualities and quantities that collectively figured to [him]_82-strether as the advantage snatched from lucky chances . Without pomp or circumstance , certainly , as [her]_{259-his friend} original address to [him]_82-strether , equally with [his]_82-strether own response , had been , [he]_82-strether would have sketched to [himself]_82-strether [his]_82-strether impression of [her]_{259-his friend} as : " Well , [she]_{259-his friend} 's more thoroughly civilized - ! "_{[259-his friend]} If " More thoroughly than WHOM ? "_{[259-his friend]} would not have been for [him]_82-strether a sequel to this remark , that was just by reason of [his]_82-strether deep consciousness of the bearing of [his]_82-strether comparison . The amusement , at all events , of a civilisation intenser was what - familiar compatriot as [she]_{259-his friend} was , with the full tone of [the compatriot]_{332-the compatriot} and the rattling link not with mystery but only with dear dyspeptic Waymarsh - [she]_{259-his friend} appeared distinctly to promise . [His]_82-strether pause while [he]_82-strether felt in [his]_82-strether overcoat was positively the pause of confidence , and it enabled [his]_82-strether eyes to make out as much of a case for [her]_{259-his friend} , in proportion , as [her]_{259-his friend} own made out for [himself]_82-strether . [She]_{259-his friend} affected [him]_82-strether as almost insolently young ; but [an easily carried five - and - thirty]_{333-an easily carried five - and - thirty} could still do that . [She]_{259-his friend} was , however , like [himself]_82-strether marked and wan ; only it naturally could n't have been known to [him]_82-strether how much [a spectator]_{334-a spectator} looking from [one to the other]_{335-one to the other} might have discerned that [they]_336-they had in common . It would n't for [such a spectator]_{337-such a spectator} have been altogether insupposable that , each so finely brown and so sharply spare , each confessing so to dents of surface and aids to sight , to a disproportionate nose and a head delicately or grossly grizzled , [they]_336-they might have been [brother]_338-brother and [sister]_339-sister . On this ground indeed there would have been a residuum of difference ; [such a sister]_{340-such a sister} having surely known in respect to [such a brother]_{341-such a brother} the extremity of separation , and [such a brother]_{341-such a brother} now feeling in respect to [such a sister]_{340-such a sister} the extremity of surprise . Surprise , it was true , was not on the other hand what the eyes of [[Strether]_82-strether 's friend]_{2877-strether 's friend} most showed [him]_82-strether while [she]_{259-his friend} gave [him]_82-strether , stroking [her]_{259-his friend} gloves smoother , the time [he]_82-strether appreciated . [They]_336-they had taken hold of [him]_82-strether straightway measuring [him]_82-strether up and down as if [they]_336-they knew how ; as if [he]_82-strether were human material [they]_336-they had already in some sort handled . [[Their]_336-they possessor]_{345-their possessor} was in truth , it may be communicated , [the mistress of a hundred cases or categories]_{346-the mistress of a hundred cases or categories} , [receptacles of the mind]_{347-receptacles of the mind} , subdivisions for convenience , in which , from a full experience , [she]_{259-his friend} pigeon - holed [[her]_{259-his friend} fellow mortals]_{348-her fellow mortals} with a hand as free as that of [a compositor scattering type]_{349-a compositor scattering type} . [She]_{259-his friend} was as equipped in this particular as [Strether]_82-strether was the reverse , and it made an opposition between [them]_336-they which [he]_82-strether might well have shrunk from submitting to if [he]_82-strether had fully suspected it . So far as [he]_82-strether did suspect it [he]_82-strether was on the contrary , after a short shake of [his]_82-strether consciousness , as pleasantly passive as might be . [He]_82-strether really had a sort of sense of what [she]_{259-his friend} knew . [He]_82-strether had quite the sense that [she]_{259-his friend} knew things [he]_82-strether did n't , and though this was a concession that in general [he]_82-strether found not easy to make to [women]_350-women , [he]_82-strether made it now as good - humouredly as if it lifted a burden . [His]_82-strether eyes were so quiet behind [his]_82-strether eternal nippers that they might almost have been absent without changing [his]_82-strether face , which took its expression mainly , and not least its stamp of sensibility , from other sources , surface and grain and form . [He]_82-strether joined [[his]_82-strether guide]_{351-his guide} in an instant , and then felt [she]_{259-his friend} had profited still better than [he]_82-strether by [his]_82-strether having been for the moments just mentioned , so at the disposal of [her]_{259-his friend} intelligence . [She]_{259-his friend} knew even intimate things about [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether had n't yet told [her]_{259-his friend} and perhaps never would . [He]_82-strether was n't unaware that [he]_82-strether had told [her]_{259-his friend} rather remarkably many for the time , but these were not the real ones . Some of [the real ones]_{352-the real ones} , however , precisely , were what [she]_{259-his friend} knew . [They]_353-they were to pass again through [the hall of [the inn]_{274-the inn}]_{354-the hall of the inn} to get into [the street]_{356-the street} , and it was here [she]_{259-his friend} presently checked [him]_82-strether with a question . " Have [you]_82-strether looked up [my]_{259-his friend} name ? "_{[259-his friend]} [He]_82-strether could only stop with a laugh . " Have [you]_{259-his friend} looked up [mine]_{259-his friend} ? "_{[259-his friend]} " Oh dear , yes - as soon as [you]_{259-his friend} left [me]_82-strether . [I]_82-strether went to [the office]_{262-the office} and asked . Had n't [YOU]_{259-his friend} better do the same ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether wondered . " Find out who [you]_{259-his friend} are ? - after [the uplifted young woman there]_{2902-the uplifted young woman there} has seen [us]_2903-us thus scrape acquaintance ! "_{[259-his friend]} [She]_{259-his friend} laughed on [her]_{259-his friend} side now at the shade of alarm in [his]_82-strether amusement . " Is n't it a reason the more ? If what [you]_82-strether 're afraid of is the injury for [me]_{259-his friend} - [my]_{259-his friend} being seen to walk off with [a gentleman who has to ask who [I]_{259-his friend} am]_{2904-a gentleman who has to ask who i am} - [I]_{259-his friend} assure [you]_82-strether [I]_{259-his friend} do n't in the least mind . Here , however , "_{[259-his friend]} [she]_{259-his friend} continued , " is [my]_{259-his friend} card , and as [I]_{259-his friend} find there 's something else again [I]_{259-his friend} have to say at [the office]_{262-the office} , [you]_82-strether can just study it during the moment [I]_{259-his friend} leave [you]_82-strether . "_{[259-his friend]} [She]_{259-his friend} left [him]_82-strether after [he]_82-strether had taken from [her]_{259-his friend} the small pasteboard [she]_{259-his friend} had extracted from [her]_{259-his friend} pocket - book , and [he]_82-strether had extracted another from [his]_82-strether own , to exchange with it , before [she]_{259-his friend} came back . [He]_82-strether read thus the simple designation " [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie , "_{[82-strether]} to which was attached , in a corner of the card , with a number , the name of [a street]_{357-a street} , presumably in [Paris]_1-paris , without other appreciable identity than [its]_358-its foreignness . [He]_82-strether put the card into [his]_82-strether waistcoat pocket , keeping [his]_82-strether own meanwhile in evidence ; and as [he]_82-strether leaned against the door - post [he]_82-strether met with the smile of a straying thought what the expanse before [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} offered to [his]_82-strether view . It was positively droll to [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether should already have [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie , whoever [she]_97-mamie was - of which [he]_82-strether had n't really the least idea - in [a place of safe keeping]_{360-a place of safe keeping} . [He]_82-strether had somehow an assurance that [he]_82-strether should carefully preserve the little token [he]_82-strether had just tucked in . [He]_82-strether gazed with unseeing lingering eyes as [he]_82-strether followed some of the implications of [his]_82-strether act , asking [himself]_82-strether if [he]_82-strether really felt admonished to qualify it as disloyal . It was prompt , it was possibly even premature , and there was little doubt of the expression of face the sight of it would have produced in [a certain person]_{361-a certain person} . But if it was " wrong "_{[82-strether]} - why then [he]_82-strether had better not have come out at all . At this , [poor man]_{362-poor man} , had [he]_82-strether already - and even before meeting [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - arrived . [He]_82-strether had believed [he]_82-strether had a limit , but the limit had been transcended within thirty - six hours . By how long a space on the plane of manners or even of morals , moreover , [he]_82-strether felt still more sharply after [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie had come back to [him]_82-strether and with a gay decisive " So now - ! "_[97-mamie] led [him]_82-strether forth into [the world]_{2804-the world} . This counted , it struck [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether walked beside [her]_97-mamie with [his]_82-strether overcoat on an arm , [his]_82-strether umbrella under another and [his]_82-strether personal pasteboard a little stiffly retained between forefinger and thumb , this struck [him]_82-strether as really , in comparison [his]_82-strether introduction to things . It had n't been " [Europe]_6-europe "_[97-mamie] at [Liverpool]_5-liverpool no - not even in the dreadful delightful impressive streets the night before - to the extent [[his]_82-strether present companion]_{364-his present companion} made it so . [She]_97-mamie had n't yet done that so much as when , after [their]_365-their walk had lasted a few minutes and [he]_82-strether had had time to wonder if a couple of sidelong glances from [her]_97-mamie meant that [he]_82-strether had best have put on gloves [she]_97-mamie almost pulled [him]_82-strether up with an amused challenge . " But why - fondly as it 's so easy to imagine [your]_82-strether clinging to it - do n't [you]_82-strether put it away ? Or if it 's an inconvenience to [you]_82-strether to carry it , [one]_2797-one 's often glad to have [one]_2797-one 's card back . The fortune one spends in them ! "_[97-mamie] Then [he]_82-strether saw both that [his]_82-strether way of marching with [his]_82-strether own prepared tribute had affected [her]_97-mamie as a deviation in one of those directions [he]_82-strether could n't yet measure , and that [she]_97-mamie supposed this emblem to be still the one [he]_82-strether had received from [her]_97-mamie . [He]_82-strether accordingly handed [her]_97-mamie the card as if in restitution , but as soon as [she]_97-mamie had it [she]_97-mamie felt the difference and , with [her]_97-mamie eyes on it , stopped short for apology . " [I]_97-mamie like , "_[97-mamie] [she]_97-mamie observed , " [your]_82-strether name . "_[97-mamie] " Oh , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether answered , " [you]_97-mamie wo n't have heard of it ! "_{[82-strether]} Yet [he]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether reasons for not being sure but that [she]_97-mamie perhaps might . Ah it was but too visible ! [She]_97-mamie read it over again as [one who had never seen it]_{366-one who had never seen it} . " ' [Mr. Lewis Lambert Strether]_82-strether ' "_[97-mamie] - [she]_97-mamie sounded it almost as freely as for [any stranger]_{367-any stranger} . [She]_97-mamie repeated however that [she]_97-mamie liked it - " particularly [the Lewis Lambert]_82-strether . It 's the name of a novel of [Balzac]_95-balzac 's . "_[97-mamie] " Oh [I]_82-strether know that ! "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . " But the novel 's an awfully bad one . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether know that too , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether smiled . To which [he]_82-strether added with an irrelevance that was only superficial : " [I]_82-strether come from [Woollett Massachusetts]_{11-woollett massachusetts} . "_{[82-strether]} It made [her]_97-mamie for some reason - the irrelevance or whatever - laugh . [Balzac]_95-balzac had described [many cities]_{368-many cities} , but had n't described [Woollett Massachusetts]_{11-woollett massachusetts} . " [You]_82-strether say that , "_[97-mamie] [she]_97-mamie returned , " as if [you]_82-strether wanted [one]_2797-one immediately to know the worst . "_[97-mamie] " Oh [I]_82-strether think it 's a thing , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether said , " that [you]_97-mamie must already have made out . [I]_82-strether feel it so that [I]_82-strether certainly must look it , speak it , and , as [people]_2824-people say there , ' act ' it . It sticks out of [me]_82-strether , and [you]_97-mamie knew surely for [yourself]_97-mamie as soon as [you]_97-mamie looked at [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " The worst , [you]_82-strether mean ? "_[97-mamie] " Well , the fact of where [I]_82-strether come from . [There]_311-there at any rate it IS ; so that [you]_97-mamie wo n't be able , if anything happens , to say [I]_82-strether 've not been straight with [you]_97-mamie . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether see "_{[82-strether]} - and [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} looked really interested in the point [he]_82-strether had made . " But what do [you]_82-strether think of as happening ? "_{[82-strether]} Though [he]_82-strether was n't shy - which was rather anomalous - [Strether]_82-strether gazed about without meeting [her]_{99-miss gostrey} eyes ; a motion that was frequent with [him]_82-strether in talk , yet of which [his]_82-strether words often seemed not at all the effect . " Why that [you]_97-mamie should find [me]_82-strether too hopeless . "_{[82-strether]} With which [they]_369-they walked on again together while [she]_{99-miss gostrey} answered , as [they]_369-they went , that the most " hopeless "_{[82-strether]} of [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} countryfolk]_{370-her countryfolk} were in general precisely those [she]_{99-miss gostrey} liked best . All sorts of other pleasant small things - small things that were yet large for [him]_82-strether - flowered in the air of the occasion , but the bearing of the occasion itself on matters still remote concerns [us]_371-us too closely to permit [us]_371-us to multiply [our]_371-us illustrations . Two or three , however , in truth , [we]_371-us should perhaps regret to lose . The tortuous wall - girdle , long since snapped , of [the little swollen city]_{372-the little swollen city} , half held in place by [careful civic hands]_{373-careful civic hands} - wanders in narrow file between parapets smoothed by peaceful generations , pausing here and there for a dismantled gate or a bridged gap , with rises and drops , steps up and steps down , queer twists , queer contacts , peeps into [homely streets]_{374-homely streets} and under the brows of [gables]_375-gables , views of [cathedral tower]_{376-cathedral tower} and [waterside fields]_{377-waterside fields} , of [huddled English town]_{378-huddled english town} and [ordered English country]_{379-ordered english country} . Too deep almost for words was the delight of these things to [Strether]_82-strether ; yet as deeply mixed with it were certain images of [his]_82-strether inward picture . [He]_82-strether had trod this walks in the far - off time , at twenty - five ; but that , instead of spoiling it , only enriched it for present feeling and marked [his]_82-strether renewal as a thing substantial enough to share . It was with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [he]_82-strether should have shared it , and [he]_82-strether was now accordingly taking from [him]_82-strether something that was [his]_82-strether due . [He]_82-strether looked repeatedly at [his]_82-strether watch , and when [he]_82-strether had done so for the fifth time [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} took [him]_82-strether up . " [You]_82-strether 're doing something that [you]_82-strether think not right . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} It so touched the place that [he]_82-strether quite changed colour and [his]_82-strether laugh grew almost awkward . " Am [I]_82-strether enjoying it as much as THAT ? "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether 're not enjoying it , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} think , so much as [you]_82-strether ought . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [I]_82-strether see "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether appeared thoughtfully to agree . " Great is [my]_82-strether privilege . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh it 's not [your]_82-strether privilege ! It has nothing to do with [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . It has to do with [yourself]_82-strether . [Your]_82-strether failure 's general . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Ah there [you]_{99-miss gostrey} are ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether laughed . " It 's the failure of [Woollett]_87-woollett . [THAT 'S general]_{2911-that 's general} . "_{[82-strether]} " The failure to enjoy , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} explained , " is what [I]_{99-miss gostrey} mean . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Precisely . [Woollett]_87-woollett is n't sure it ought to enjoy . If it were it would . But it has n't , poor thing , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether continued , " [any one]_{2912-any one} to show [it]_87-woollett how . It 's not like [me]_82-strether . [I]_82-strether have [somebody]_{2913-somebody} . "_{[82-strether]} [They]_380-their had stopped , in the afternoon sunshine - constantly pausing , in [their]_380-their stroll , for the sharper sense of what [they]_380-their saw - and [Strether]_82-strether rested on one of the high sides of [the old stony groove of [the little rampart]_{382-the little rampart}]_{381-the old stony groove of the little rampart} . [He]_82-strether leaned back on this support with [his]_82-strether face to [the tower of [the cathedral]_{384-the cathedral}]_{383-the tower of the cathedral} , now admirably commanded by [[their]_380-their station]_{385-their station} , the high red - brown mass , square and subordinately spired and crocketed , retouched and restored , but charming to [his]_82-strether long - sealed eyes and with the first swallows of the year weaving [their]_380-their flight all round [it]_{383-the tower of the cathedral} . [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} lingered near [him]_82-strether , full of an air , to which [she]_{99-miss gostrey} more and more justified [her]_{99-miss gostrey} right , of understanding the effect of things . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} quite concurred . " [You]_82-strether 've indeed [somebody]_{2913-somebody} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} And [she]_{99-miss gostrey} added : " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} wish [you]_82-strether WOULD let [me]_{99-miss gostrey} show [you]_82-strether how ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Oh [I]_82-strether 'm afraid of [you]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether cheerfully pleaded . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} kept on [him]_82-strether a moment , through [her]_{99-miss gostrey} glasses and through [his]_82-strether own , a certain pleasant pointedness . " Ah no , [you]_82-strether 're not ! [You]_82-strether 're not in the least , thank goodness ! If [you]_82-strether had been [we]_2915-we should n't so soon have found [ourselves]_2915-we here together . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} think , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} comfortably concluded , " [you]_82-strether trust [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [I]_82-strether think [I]_82-strether do ! - but that 's exactly what [I]_82-strether 'm afraid of . [I]_82-strether should n't mind if [I]_82-strether did n't . It 's falling thus in twenty minutes so utterly into [your]_{99-miss gostrey} hands . [I]_82-strether dare say , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether continued , " it 's a sort of thing [you]_{99-miss gostrey} 're thoroughly familiar with ; but nothing more extraordinary has ever happened to [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [She]_{99-miss gostrey} watched [him]_82-strether with all [her]_{99-miss gostrey} kindness . " That means simply that [you]_82-strether 've recognised [me]_{99-miss gostrey} - which IS rather beautiful and rare . [You]_82-strether see what [I]_{99-miss gostrey} am . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} As on this , however , [he]_82-strether protested , with a good - humoured headshake , a resignation of any such claim , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had a moment of explanation . " If [you]_82-strether 'll only come on further as [you]_82-strether HAVE come [you]_82-strether 'll at any rate make out . [My]_{99-miss gostrey} own fate has been too many for [me]_{99-miss gostrey} , and [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 've succumbed to it . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm [a general guide]_{2916-a general guide} - to ' [Europe]_6-europe , ' do n't [you]_82-strether know ? [I]_{99-miss gostrey} wait for [people]_2824-people - [I]_{99-miss gostrey} put [them]_2824-people through . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} pick [them]_2824-people up - [I]_{99-miss gostrey} set [them]_2824-people down . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm a sort of superior ' [courier - maid]_{2918-courier - maid} . ' [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm [a companion at large]_{2919-a companion at large} . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} take [people]_2824-people , as [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 've told [you]_82-strether , about . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} never sought it - it has come to [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . It has been [my]_{99-miss gostrey} fate , and [one]_2797-one 's fate [one]_2797-one accepts . It 's a dreadful thing to have to say , in so wicked [a world]_{2923-a world} , but [I]_{99-miss gostrey} verily believe that , such as [you]_82-strether see [me]_{99-miss gostrey} , there 's nothing [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't know . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} know all the shops and the prices - but [I]_{99-miss gostrey} know worse things still . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} bear on [my]_{99-miss gostrey} back the huge load of [our]_2924-our national consciousness , or , in other words - for it comes to that - of [[our]_2924-our nation]_{2925-our nation} itself . Of what is [[our]_2924-our nation]_{2925-our nation} composed but of [the men]_{2927-the men} and women individually on [my]_{99-miss gostrey} shoulders ? [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't do it , [you]_82-strether know , for any particular advantage . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't do it , for instance - [some people]_{2928-some people} do , [you]_82-strether know - for money . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether could only listen and wonder and weigh [his]_82-strether chance . " And yet , affected as [you]_82-strether are then to [so many of [[your]_82-strether clients]_{2930-your clients}]_{2929-so many of your clients} , [you]_82-strether can scarcely be said to do it for love . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether waited a moment . " How do [we]_387-we reward [you]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} [She]_386-she had [her]_386-she own hesitation , but " [You]_82-strether do n't ! "_[386-she] [she]_386-she finally returned , setting [him]_82-strether again in motion . [They]_387-we went on , but in a few minutes , though while still thinking over what [she]_386-she had said , [he]_82-strether once more took out [his]_82-strether watch ; mechanically , unconsciously and as if made nervous by the mere exhilaration of what struck [him]_82-strether as [her]_386-she strange and cynical wit . [He]_82-strether looked at the hour without seeing it , and then , on something again said by [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} , had another pause . " [You]_386-she 're really in terror of [him]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether smiled a smile that [he]_82-strether almost felt to be sickly . " Now [you]_386-she can see why [I]_82-strether 'm afraid of [you]_386-she . "_{[82-strether]} " Because [I]_386-she 've such illuminations ? Why [they]_2931-they 're all for [your]_82-strether help ! It 's what [I]_386-she told [you]_82-strether , "_[386-she] [she]_386-she added , " just now . [You]_82-strether feel as if this were wrong . "_[386-she] [He]_82-strether fell back once more , settling [himself]_82-strether against the parapet as if to hear more about it . " Then get [me]_386-she out ! "_[386-she] [Her]_386-she face fairly brightened for the joy of the appeal , but , as if it were a question of immediate action , [she]_386-she visibly considered . " Out of waiting for [him]_82-strether ? - of seeing [him]_82-strether at all ? "_[386-she] " Oh no - not that , "_{[82-strether]} said poor [Strether]_82-strether , looking grave . " [I]_386-she 've got to wait for [him]_82-strether - and [I]_386-she want very much to see [him]_82-strether . But out of the terror . [You]_386-she did put [your]_386-she finger on it a few minutes ago . It 's general , but it avails itself of particular occasions . That 's what it 's doing for [me]_386-she now . [I]_386-she 'm always considering something else ; something else , [I]_386-she mean , than the thing of the moment . The obsession of the other thing is the terror . [I]_386-she 'm considering at present for instance something else than [YOU]_386-she . "_[386-she] [She]_386-she listened with charming earnestness . " Oh [you]_82-strether ought n't to do that ! "_[386-she] " It 's what [I]_386-she admit . Make it then impossible . "_[386-she] [She]_386-she continued to think . " Is it really an ' order ' from [you]_386-she ? - that [I]_386-she shall take the job ? WILL [you]_386-she give [yourself]_386-she up ? "_[386-she] [Poor Strether]_82-strether heaved [his]_82-strether sigh . " If [I]_82-strether only could ! But that 's the deuce of it - that [I]_82-strether never can . No - [I]_82-strether ca n't . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_386-she was n't , however , discouraged . " But [you]_82-strether want to at least ? "_[386-she] " Oh unspeakably ! "_{[82-strether]} " Ah then , if [you]_82-strether 'll try ! "_[386-she] - and [she]_386-she took over the job , as [she]_386-she had called it , on the spot . " Trust [me]_386-she ! "_[386-she] [she]_386-she exclaimed , and the action of this , as [they]_389-they retraced [their]_389-they steps , was presently to make [him]_82-strether pass [his]_82-strether hand into [her]_386-she arm in the manner of [a benign dependent paternal old person who wishes to be " nice "_{[82-strether]} to [a younger one]_{391-a younger one}]_{390-a benign dependent paternal old person who wishes to be " nice " to a younger one} . If [he]_82-strether drew it out again indeed as [they]_389-they approached [the inn]_{274-the inn} this may have been because , after more talk had passed between [them]_389-they , the relation of age , or at least of experience - which , for that matter , had already played to and fro with some freedom - affected [him]_82-strether as incurring a readjustment . It was at all events perhaps lucky that [they]_389-they arrived in sufficiently separate fashion within range of [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} - door . [The young lady [they]_389-they had left in [the glass cage]_{395-the glass cage}]_{394-the young lady they had left in the glass cage} watched as if [she]_{394-the young lady they had left in the glass cage} had come to await [them]_389-they on the threshold . At [her]_{394-the young lady they had left in the glass cage} side stood a person equally interested , by [his]_82-strether attitude , in [their]_389-they return , and the effect of the sight of whom was instantly to determine for [Strether]_82-strether another of those responsive arrests that [we]_396-we have had so repeatedly to note . [He]_82-strether left it to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} to name , with the fine full bravado as it almost struck [him]_82-strether , of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} " [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} what was to have been , what - [he]_82-strether more than ever felt as [his]_82-strether short stare of suspended welcome took things in - would have been , but for [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} , [his]_82-strether doom . It was already upon [him]_82-strether even at that distance - [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was for [HIS]_82-strether part joyless . II [He]_82-strether had none the less to confess to [this friend]_{397-this friend} that evening that [he]_82-strether knew almost nothing about [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , and it was a deficiency that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , even with [his]_82-strether memory refreshed by contact , by [her]_{99-miss gostrey} own prompt and lucid allusions and enquiries , by [their]_398-their having publicly partaken of dinner in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} company , and by another stroll , to which [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was not [a stranger]_{399-a stranger} , out into [the town]_{312-the town} to look at [the cathedral]_{384-the cathedral} by moonlight - it was a blank that [the resident of [Milrose]_104-milrose]_{402-the resident of milrose} , though admitting acquaintance with [the Munsters]_{101-the munsters} , professed [himself]_{402-the resident of milrose} unable to fill . [He]_82-strether had no recollection of [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , and two or three questions that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} put to [him]_82-strether about [those members of [his]_82-strether circle]_{403-those members of his circle} had , to [Strether]_82-strether 's observation , the same effect [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had already more directly felt - the effect of appearing to place all knowledge , for the time , on [this original woman]_{404-this original woman} 's side . It interested [him]_82-strether indeed to mark the limits of any such relation for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} with [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} as there could possibly be a question of , and it particularly struck [him]_82-strether that they were to be marked altogether in [[Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's quarter]_{406-waymarsh 's quarter} . This added to [his]_82-strether own sense of having gone far with [her]_{99-miss gostrey} - gave [him]_82-strether an early illustration of a much shorter course . There was a certitude [he]_82-strether immediately grasped - a conviction that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would quite fail , as it were , and on whatever degree of [acquaintances]_{407-acquaintances} to profit by [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . There had been after the first interchange among [the three]_{408-the three} a talk of some five minutes in [the hall]_{285-the hall} , and then [the two men]_{267-the two men} had adjourned to [the garden]_{325-the garden} , [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} for the time disappearing . [Strether]_82-strether in due course accompanied [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} to [the room]_{413-the room} [he]_82-strether had bespoken and had , before going out , scrupulously visited ; where at the end of another half - hour [he]_82-strether had no less discreetly left [him]_82-strether . On leaving [him]_82-strether [he]_82-strether repaired straight to [[his]_82-strether own room]_{414-his own room} , but with the prompt effect of feeling the compass of [that chamber]_{415-that chamber} resented by [his]_82-strether condition . There [he]_82-strether enjoyed at once the first consequence of [their]_{267-the two men} reunion . [A place was too small for [him]_82-strether after [it]_417-it that had seemed large enough before]_{416-a place was too small for him after it that had seemed large enough before} . [He]_82-strether had awaited it with something [he]_82-strether would have been sorry , have been almost ashamed not to recognise as emotion , yet with a tacit assumption at the same time that emotion would in the event find itself relieved . The actual oddity was that [he]_82-strether was only more excited ; and [his]_82-strether excitement - to which indeed [he]_82-strether would have found it difficult instantly to give a name - brought [him]_82-strether once more [downstairs]_{418-downstairs} and caused [him]_82-strether for some minutes vaguely to wander . [He]_82-strether went once more to [the garden]_{325-the garden} ; [he]_82-strether looked into [the public room]_{420-the public room} , found [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} writing letters and backed out ; [he]_82-strether roamed , fidgeted and wasted time ; but [he]_82-strether was to have [his]_82-strether more intimate session with [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} before the evening closed . It was late - not till [Strether]_82-strether had spent an hour [upstairs]_329-upstairs with [him]_{259-his friend} - that [this subject]_{423-this subject} consented to betake [himself]_82-strether to doubtful rest . Dinner and the subsequent stroll by moonlight - a dream , on [Strether]_82-strether 's part , of romantic effects rather prosaically merged in a mere missing of thicker coats - had measurably intervened , and this midnight conference was the result of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's having when [they]_424-they were free , as [he]_82-strether put it , of [[their]_424-they fashionable friend]_{425-their fashionable friend} found [the smoking - room]_{426-the smoking - room} not quite what [he]_82-strether wanted , and yet bed what [he]_82-strether wanted less . [His]_82-strether most frequent form of words was that [he]_82-strether knew [himself]_82-strether , and they were applied on this occasion to [his]_82-strether certainty of not sleeping . [He]_82-strether knew [himself]_82-strether well enough to know that [he]_82-strether should have a night of prowling unless [he]_82-strether should succeed , as a preliminary , in getting prodigiously tired . If the effort directed to this end involved till a late hour the presence of [Strether]_82-strether - consisted , that is , in the detention of [the latter for full discourse]_{427-the latter for full discourse} - there was yet an impression of minor discipline involved for [[our]_424-they friend]_{235-our friend} in the picture [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh made as [he]_96-waymarsh sat in trousers and shirt on the edge of [[his]_96-waymarsh couch]_{429-his couch} . With [his]_96-waymarsh long legs extended and [his]_96-waymarsh large back much bent , [he]_96-waymarsh nursed alternately , for an almost incredible time , [his]_96-waymarsh elbows and [his]_96-waymarsh beard . [He]_96-waymarsh struck [[his]_96-waymarsh visitor]_{430-his visitor} as extremely , as almost wilfully uncomfortable ; yet what had this been for [Strether]_82-strether , from that first glimpse of [him]_96-waymarsh disconcerted in [the porch of [the hotel]_{258-the hotel}]_{431-the porch of the hotel} , but the predominant notes . The discomfort was in a manner contagious , as well as also in a manner inconsequent and unfounded ; [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} felt that unless [he]_{433-the visitor} should get used to it - or unless [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [himself]_96-waymarsh should - it would constitute a menace for [his]_{433-the visitor} own prepared , [his]_96-waymarsh own already confirmed , consciousness of the agreeable . On [their]_434-their first going up together to [the room [Strether]_82-strether had selected for [him]_96-waymarsh]_{435-the room strether had selected for him} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had looked it over in silence and with a sigh that represented for [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} , if not the habit of disapprobation , at least the despair of felicity ; and this look had recurred to [Strether]_82-strether as the key of much [he]_82-strether had since observed . " [Europe]_6-europe , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether had begun to gather from these things , had up to now rather failed of its message to [him]_82-strether ; [he]_82-strether had n't got into tune with it and had at the end of three months almost renounced any such expectation . [He]_82-strether really appeared at present to insist on that by just perching there with the gas in [his]_82-strether eyes . This of itself somehow conveyed the futility of single rectifications in a multiform failure . [He]_82-strether had a large handsome head and a large sallow seamed face - a striking significant physiognomic total , the upper range of which , the great political brow , the thick loose hair , the dark fuliginous eyes , recalled even to [a generation whose standard had dreadfully deviated the impressive image , familiar by engravings and busts , of some great national worthy of the earlier part of the mid - century]_{437-a generation whose standard had dreadfully deviated the impressive image , familiar by engravings and busts , of some great national worthy of the earlier part of the mid - century} . [He]_82-strether was of the personal type - and it was an element in the power and promise that in [their]_434-their early time [Strether]_82-strether had found in [him]_82-strether - of [the American statesman]_{438-the american statesman} , [the statesman trained in " Congressional halls , "_{[82-strether]} of an elder day]_{439-the statesman trained in " congressional halls , " of an elder day} . The legend had been in later years that as the lower part of [his]_82-strether face , which was weak , and slightly crooked , spoiled the likeness , this was the real reason for the growth of [his]_82-strether beard , which might have seemed to spoil it for [those not in the secret]_{440-those not in the secret} . [He]_82-strether shook [his]_82-strether mane ; [he]_82-strether fixed , with [his]_82-strether admirable eyes , [[his]_82-strether auditor]_{441-his auditor} or [[his]_82-strether observer]_{442-his observer} ; [he]_82-strether wore no glasses and had a way , partly formidable , yet also partly encouraging , as from [a representative]_{443-a representative} to [a constituent]_{444-a constituent} , of looking very hard at [those who approached [him]_82-strether]_{445-those who approached him} . [He]_82-strether met [you]_446-you as if [you]_446-you had knocked and [he]_82-strether had bidden [you]_446-you enter . [Strether]_82-strether , who had n't seen [him]_82-strether for so long an interval , apprehended [him]_82-strether now with a freshness of taste , and had perhaps never done [him]_82-strether such ideal justice . The head was bigger , the eyes finer , than they need have been for the career ; but that only meant , after all , that the career was itself expressive . What it expressed at midnight in [the gas - glaring bedroom at [Chester]_3-chester]_{447-the gas - glaring bedroom at chester} was that the subject of it had , at the end of years , barely escaped , by flight in time , a general nervous collapse . But this very proof of the full life , as the full life was understood at [Milrose]_104-milrose , would have made to [Strether]_82-strether 's imagination an element in which [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh could have floated easily had [he]_82-strether only consented to float . Alas nothing so little resembled floating as the rigour with which , on the edge of [his]_82-strether bed , [he]_82-strether hugged [his]_82-strether posture of prolonged impermanence . It suggested to [[his]_82-strether comrade]_{268-his comrade} something that always , when kept up , worried [him]_82-strether - a person established in [a railway - coach]_{449-a railway - coach} with a forward inclination . It represented the angle at which poor [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was to sit through the ordeal of [Europe]_6-europe . Thanks to the stress of occupation , the strain of professions , the absorption and embarrassment of each , [they]_450-they had not , at [home]_2874-home , during years before this sudden brief and almost bewildering reign of comparative ease , found so much as a day for a meeting ; a fact that was in some degree an explanation of the sharpness with which most of [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's features stood out to [Strether]_82-strether . Those [he]_82-strether had lost sight of since the early time came back to [him]_82-strether ; others that it was never possible to forget struck [him]_82-strether now as sitting , clustered and expectant , like [a somewhat defiant family - group]_{453-a somewhat defiant family - group} , on the doorstep of [[their]_{453-a somewhat defiant family - group} residence]_{454-their residence} . [The room]_{413-the room} was narrow for [its]_{413-the room} length , and the occupant of the bed thrust so far a pair of slippered feet that [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} had almost to step over them in [his]_{433-the visitor} recurrent rebounds from [his]_{433-the visitor} chair to fidget back and forth . There were marks [the friends]_{457-the friends} made on things to talk about , and on things not to , and one of the latter in particular fell like the tap of chalk on the blackboard . Married at thirty , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had not lived with [[his]_96-waymarsh wife]_{458-his wife} for fifteen years , and it came up vividly between [them]_450-they in the glare of the gas that [Strether]_82-strether was n't to ask about [her]_{458-his wife} . [He]_96-waymarsh knew [they]_450-they were still separate and that [she]_{458-his wife} lived at [hotels]_459-hotels , travelled in [Europe]_6-europe , painted [her]_{458-his wife} face and wrote [[her]_{458-his wife} husband]_{460-her husband} abusive letters , of not one of which , to a certainty , [that sufferer]_{461-that sufferer} spared [himself]_{461-that sufferer} the perusal ; but [he]_96-waymarsh respected without difficulty the cold twilight that had settled on this side of [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} 's life . It was [a province in which mystery reigned and as to which [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had never spoken the informing word]_{463-a province in which mystery reigned and as to which waymarsh had never spoken the informing word} . [Strether]_82-strether , who wanted to do [him]_96-waymarsh the highest justice wherever [he]_96-waymarsh COULD do it , singularly admired [him]_96-waymarsh for the dignity of this reserve , and even counted it as one of the grounds - grounds all handled and numbered - for ranking [him]_96-waymarsh , in the range of [their]_450-they acquaintance , as a success . [He]_96-waymarsh WAS a success , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , in spite of overwork , or prostration , of sensible shrinkage , of [[his]_96-waymarsh wife]_{458-his wife} 's letters and of [his]_96-waymarsh not liking [Europe]_6-europe . [Strether]_82-strether would have reckoned [his]_82-strether own career less futile had [he]_82-strether been able to put into it anything so handsome as so much fine silence . [One]_2797-one might [one]_2797-one 's self easily have left [Mrs. Waymarsh]_{103-mrs. waymarsh} ; and [one]_2797-one would assuredly have paid [one]_2797-one 's tribute to the ideal in covering with that attitude the derision of having been left by [her]_{103-mrs. waymarsh} . [[Her]_{103-mrs. waymarsh} husband]_{460-her husband} had held [his]_{460-her husband} tongue and had made a large income ; and these were in especial the achievements as to which [Strether]_82-strether envied [him]_{460-her husband} . [[Our]_470-our friend]_{235-our friend} had had indeed on [his]_{235-our friend} side too a subject for silence , which [he]_{235-our friend} fully appreciated ; but it was a matter of a different sort , and the figure of the income [he]_{235-our friend} had arrived at had never been high enough to look [any one]_{2912-any one} in the face . " [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know as [I]_96-waymarsh quite see what [you]_96-waymarsh require it for . [You]_96-waymarsh do n't appear sick to speak of . "_{[96-waymarsh]} It was of [Europe]_6-europe [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh thus finally spoke . " Well , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , who fell as much as possible into step , " [I]_82-strether guess [I]_82-strether do n't FEEL sick now that [I]_82-strether 've started . But [I]_82-strether had pretty well run down before [I]_82-strether did start . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh raised [his]_96-waymarsh melancholy look . " Ai n't [you]_96-waymarsh about up to [your]_96-waymarsh usual average ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} It was not quite pointedly sceptical , but it seemed somehow a plea for the purest veracity , and it thereby affected [[our]_473-our friend]_{235-our friend} as the very voice of [Milrose]_104-milrose . [He]_96-waymarsh had long since made a mental distinction - though never in truth daring to betray it - between the voice of [Milrose]_104-milrose and the voice even of [Woollett]_87-woollett . It was the former [he]_96-waymarsh felt , that was most in the real tradition . There had been occasions in [his]_96-waymarsh past when the sound of it had reduced [him]_96-waymarsh to temporary confusion , and the present , for some reason , suddenly became such another . It was nevertheless no light matter that the very effect of [his]_96-waymarsh confusion should be to make [him]_96-waymarsh again prevaricate . " That description hardly does justice to [a man to whom it has done such a lot of good to see [YOU]_96-waymarsh]_{2932-a man to whom it has done such a lot of good to see you} . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh fixed on [his]_96-waymarsh washing - stand the silent detached stare with which [Milrose]_104-milrose in person , as it were , might have marked the unexpectedness of a compliment from [Woollett]_87-woollett , and [Strether]_82-strether for [his]_82-strether part , felt once more like [Woollett]_87-woollett in person . " [I]_{259-his friend} mean , "_{[259-his friend]} [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} presently continued , " that [your]_96-waymarsh appearance is n't as bad as [I]_{259-his friend} 've seen it : it compares favourably with what it was when [I]_{259-his friend} last noticed it . "_{[259-his friend]} On this appearance [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's eyes yet failed to rest ; it was almost as if [they]_476-they obeyed an instinct of propriety , and the effect was still stronger when , always considering the basin and jug , [he]_96-waymarsh added : " [You]_{259-his friend} 've filled out some since then . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " [I]_96-waymarsh 'm afraid [I]_96-waymarsh have , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed : " [one]_2797-one does fill out some with all one takes in , and [I]_82-strether 've taken in , [I]_82-strether dare say , more than [I]_82-strether 've natural room for . [I]_82-strether was dog - tired when [I]_82-strether sailed . "_{[82-strether]} It had the oddest sound of cheerfulness . " [I]_{388-his companion} was dog - tired , "_{[388-his companion]} [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} returned , " when [I]_{388-his companion} arrived , and it 's this wild hunt for rest that takes all the life out of [me]_{388-his companion} . The fact is , [Strether]_82-strether - and it 's a comfort to have [you]_82-strether here at last to say it to ; though [I]_{388-his companion} do n't know , after all , that [I]_{388-his companion} 've really waited ; [I]_{388-his companion} 've told it to [people]_2824-people [I]_{388-his companion} 've met in [the cars]_{2935-the cars} - the fact is , such [a country]_{2936-a country} as this ai n't [[my]_{388-his companion} KIND of country]_{2937-my kind of country} anyway . There ai n't [a country [I]_{388-his companion} 've seen over here that DOES seem [my]_{388-his companion} kind]_{2938-a country i 've seen over here that does seem my kind} . Oh [I]_{388-his companion} do n't say but what there are plenty of pretty places and remarkable old things ; but the trouble is that [I]_{388-his companion} do n't seem to feel anywhere in tune . That 's one of the reasons why [I]_{388-his companion} suppose [I]_{388-his companion} 've gained so little . [I]_{388-his companion} have n't had the first sign of that lift [I]_{388-his companion} was led to expect . "_{[388-his companion]} With this [he]_478-he broke out more earnestly . " Look here - [I]_478-he want to go back . "_[478-he] [His]_478-he eyes were all attached to [Strether]_82-strether 's now , for [he]_478-he was [one of [the men who fully face [you]_481-you when [they]_{480-the men who fully face you when they talk of themselves} talk of [themselves]_{480-the men who fully face you when they talk of themselves}]_{480-the men who fully face you when they talk of themselves}]_{479-one of the men who fully face you when they talk of themselves} . This enabled [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} to look at [him]_82-strether hard and immediately to appear to the highest advantage in [his]_82-strether eyes by doing so . " That 's a genial thing to say to [a fellow who has come out on purpose to meet [you]_82-strether]_{2939-a fellow who has come out on purpose to meet you} ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} Nothing could have been finer , on this , than [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's sombre glow . " HAVE [you]_96-waymarsh come out on purpose ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Well - very largely . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether thought from the way [you]_96-waymarsh wrote there was something back of it . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " Back of [my]_82-strether desire to be with [you]_96-waymarsh ? "_{[82-strether]} " Back of [your]_96-waymarsh prostration . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether , with a smile made more dim by a certain consciousness , shook [his]_82-strether head . " There are all the causes of it ! "_{[82-strether]} " And no particular cause that seemed most to drive [you]_82-strether ? "_{[235-our friend]} [[Our]_483-our friend]_{235-our friend} could at last conscientiously answer . " Yes . One . There IS a matter that has had much to do with [my]_{235-our friend} coming out . "_{[235-our friend]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh waited a little . " Too private to mention ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " No , not too private - for [YOU]_82-strether . Only rather complicated . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , "_{[96-waymarsh]} said [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , who had waited again , " [I]_96-waymarsh MAY lose [my]_96-waymarsh mind over here , but [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know as [I]_96-waymarsh 've done so yet . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Oh [you]_82-strether shall have the whole thing . But not tonight . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh seemed to sit stiffer and to hold [his]_96-waymarsh elbows tighter . " Why not - if [I]_96-waymarsh ca n't sleep ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Because , [[my]_96-waymarsh dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , [I]_96-waymarsh CAN ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Then where 's [your]_96-waymarsh prostration ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Just in that - that [I]_96-waymarsh can put in eight hours . "_{[96-waymarsh]} And [Strether]_82-strether brought it out that if [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh did n't " gain "_{[96-waymarsh]} it was because [he]_96-waymarsh did n't go to bed : the result of which was , in its order , that , to do the latter justice , [he]_82-strether permitted [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} to insist on [his]_82-strether really getting settled . [Strether]_82-strether , with a kind coercive hand for it , assisted [him]_{259-his friend} to this consummation , and again found [his]_82-strether own part in [their]_486-their relation auspiciously enlarged by the smaller touches of lowering the lamp and seeing to a sufficiency of blanket . It somehow ministered for [him]_82-strether to indulgence to feel [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , who looked unnaturally big and black in bed , as much tucked in as [a patient in [a hospital]_{488-a hospital}]_{487-a patient in a hospital} and , with [his]_96-waymarsh covering up to [his]_96-waymarsh chin , as much simplified by it [He]_96-waymarsh hovered in vague pity , to be brief , while [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} challenged [him]_96-waymarsh out of the bedclothes . " Is [she]_{388-his companion} really after [you]_96-waymarsh ? Is that what 's behind ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether felt an uneasiness at the direction taken by [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's insight , but [he]_82-strether played a little at uncertainty . " Behind [my]_82-strether coming out ? "_{[82-strether]} " Behind [your]_96-waymarsh prostration or whatever . It 's generally felt , [you]_96-waymarsh know , that [she]_{388-his companion} follows [you]_96-waymarsh up pretty close . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether 's candour was never very far off . " Oh it has occurred to [you]_82-strether that [I]_82-strether 'm literally running away from [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [I]_96-waymarsh have n't KNOWN but what [you]_82-strether are . [You]_82-strether 're [a very attractive man]_{2941-a very attractive man} , [Strether]_82-strether . [You]_82-strether 've seen for [yourself]_82-strether , "_{[96-waymarsh]} said [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh " what [that lady downstairs]_{2942-that lady downstairs} makes of it . Unless indeed , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [he]_96-waymarsh rambled on with an effect between the ironic and the anxious , " it 's [you]_82-strether who are after [HER]_{2942-that lady downstairs} . IS [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} OVER here ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [He]_96-waymarsh spoke as with a droll dread of [her]_491-her . It made [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} - though rather dimly - smile . " Dear no [she]_{2942-that lady downstairs} 's safe , thank goodness - as [I]_96-waymarsh think [I]_96-waymarsh more and more feel - at [home]_2874-home . [She]_{2942-that lady downstairs} thought of coming , but [she]_{2942-that lady downstairs} gave it up . [I]_96-waymarsh 've come in a manner instead of [her]_{2942-that lady downstairs} ; and come to that extent - for [you]_{259-his friend} 're right in [your]_{259-his friend} inference - on [her]_{2942-that lady downstairs} business . So [you]_{259-his friend} see there IS plenty of connexion . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh continued to see at least all there was . " Involving accordingly the particular one [I]_96-waymarsh 've referred to ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Strether]_82-strether took another turn about [the room]_{413-the room} , giving a twitch to [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's blanket and finally gaining the door . [His]_82-strether feeling was that of a nurse who had earned personal rest by having made everything straight . " Involving more things than [I]_96-waymarsh can think of breaking ground on now . But do n't be afraid - [you]_{259-his friend} shall have them from [me]_96-waymarsh : [you]_{259-his friend} 'll probably find [yourself]_{259-his friend} having quite as much of them as [you]_{259-his friend} can do with . [I]_96-waymarsh shall - if [we]_2944-we keep together - very much depend on [your]_{259-his friend} impression of some of [them]_2945-them . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's acknowledgement of this tribute was characteristically indirect . " [You]_96-waymarsh mean to say [you]_96-waymarsh do n't believe [we]_2944-we WILL keep together ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " [I]_82-strether only glance at the danger , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether paternally said , " because when [I]_82-strether hear [you]_96-waymarsh wail to go back [I]_82-strether seem to see [you]_96-waymarsh open up such possibilities of folly . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh took it - silent a little - like [a large snubbed child]_{495-a large snubbed child} " What are [you]_96-waymarsh going to do with [me]_96-waymarsh ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} It was the very question [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had put to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , and [he]_96-waymarsh wondered if [he]_82-strether had sounded like that . But [HE]_96-waymarsh at least could be more definite . " [I]_96-waymarsh 'm going to take [you]_96-waymarsh right down to [London]_4-london . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Oh [I]_96-waymarsh 've been down to [London]_4-london ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh more softly moaned . " [I]_96-waymarsh 've no use , [Strether]_82-strether , for anything down there . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Well , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , good - humouredly , " [I]_82-strether guess [you]_96-waymarsh 've some use for [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " So [I]_96-waymarsh 've got to go ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Oh [you]_96-waymarsh 've got to go further yet . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Well , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh sighed , " do [your]_96-waymarsh damnedest ! Only [you]_96-waymarsh WILL tell [me]_96-waymarsh before [you]_96-waymarsh lead [me]_96-waymarsh on all the way - ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [[Our]_496-our friend]_{235-our friend} had again so lost [himself]_{235-our friend} , both for amusement and for contrition , in the wonder of whether [he]_{235-our friend} had made , in [his]_{235-our friend} own challenge that afternoon , such another figure , that [he]_{235-our friend} for an instant missed the thread . " Tell [you]_96-waymarsh - ? "_{[235-our friend]} " Why what [you]_96-waymarsh 've got on hand . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " Why it 's such a matter as that even if [I]_82-strether positively wanted [I]_82-strether should n't be able to keep it from [you]_96-waymarsh . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh gloomily gazed . " What does that mean then but that [your]_96-waymarsh trip is just FOR [her]_2946-her ? "_{[82-strether]} " For [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? Oh it certainly is , as [I]_{235-our friend} say . Very much . "_{[235-our friend]} " Then why do [you]_96-waymarsh also say it 's for [me]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether , in impatience , violently played with [his]_82-strether latch . " It 's simple enough . It 's for both of [you]_96-waymarsh . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh at last turned over with a groan . " Well , [I]_96-waymarsh wo n't marry [you]_96-waymarsh ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Neither , when it comes to that - ! "_{[82-strether]} But [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} had already laughed and escaped . III [He]_82-strether had told [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} [he]_82-strether should probably take , for departure with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , [some afternoon train]_{499-some afternoon train} , and it thereupon in the morning appeared that [this lady]_{327-this lady} had made [her]_{327-this lady} own plan for an earlier one . [She]_{327-this lady} had breakfasted when [Strether]_82-strether came into [the coffee - room]_{501-the coffee - room} ; but , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh not having yet emerged , [he]_82-strether was in time to recall [her]_{327-this lady} to the terms of [their]_502-their understanding and to pronounce [her]_{327-this lady} discretion overdone . [She]_{327-this lady} was surely not to break away at the very moment [she]_{327-this lady} had created a want . [He]_82-strether had met [her]_{327-this lady} as [she]_{327-this lady} rose from [her]_{327-this lady} little table in a window , where , with the morning papers beside [her]_{327-this lady} , [she]_{327-this lady} reminded [him]_82-strether , as [he]_82-strether let [her]_{327-this lady} know , of [Major Pendennis]_{105-major pendennis} breakfasting at [[his]_82-strether club]_{503-his club} - a compliment of which [she]_{327-this lady} professed a deep appreciation ; and [he]_82-strether detained [her]_{327-this lady} as pleadingly as if [he]_82-strether had already - and notably under pressure of the visions of the night - learned to be unable to do without [her]_{327-this lady} . [She]_{327-this lady} must teach [him]_82-strether at all events , before [she]_{327-this lady} went , to order breakfast as breakfast was ordered in [Europe]_6-europe , and [she]_{327-this lady} must especially sustain [him]_82-strether in the problem of ordering for [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . [The latter]_{504-the latter} had laid upon [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} , by desperate sounds through the door of [[his]_82-strether room]_{308-his room} , dreadful divined responsibilities in respect to beefsteak and oranges - responsibilities which [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} took over with an alertness of action that matched [her]_{327-this lady} quick intelligence . [She]_{327-this lady} had before this weaned the expatriated from traditions compared with which [the matutinal beefsteak]_{507-the matutinal beefsteak} was but the creature of an hour , and it was not for [her]_{327-this lady} , with some of [her]_{327-this lady} memories , to falter in the path though [she]_{327-this lady} freely enough declared , on reflexion , that there was always in such cases a choice of opposed policies . " There are times when to give [them]_508-them [their]_508-them head , [you]_82-strether know - ! "_[508-them] [They]_508-them had gone to wait together in [the garden]_{325-the garden} for the dressing of the meal , and [Strether]_82-strether found [her]_{327-this lady} more suggestive than ever " Well , what ? "_{[327-this lady]} " Is to bring about for [them]_508-them such a complexity of relations - unless indeed [we]_508-them call it a simplicity ! - that the situation HAS to wind itself up . [They]_508-them want to go back . "_{[327-this lady]} " And [you]_0-i want [them]_508-them to go ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether gaily concluded . " [I]_82-strether always want [them]_508-them to go , and [I]_82-strether send [them]_508-them as fast as [I]_82-strether can . ' "_{[82-strether]} Oh [I]_0-i know - [you]_0-i take [them]_510-them to [Liverpool]_5-liverpool . " "_[0-i] Any port will serve in a storm . [I]_0-i 'm - with all [my]_0-i other functions - [an agent for repatriation]_{511-an agent for repatriation} . [I]_0-i want to re - people [[our]_512-our stricken country]_{513-our stricken country} . What will become of it else ? [I]_0-i want to discourage [others]_2890-others . " [The ordered English garden]_{2947-the ordered english garden} , in the freshness of the day , was delightful to [Strether]_82-strether , who liked the sound , under [his]_82-strether feet , of the tight fine gravel , packed with the chronic damp , and who had the idlest eye for the deep smoothness of turf and the clean curves of [paths]_2948-paths . "_{[515-other people]} [Other people]_{515-other people} ? " "_{[515-other people]} [Other countries]_{516-other countries} . [Other people]_{515-other people} - yes . [I]_0-i want to encourage [our]_512-our own . " [Strether]_82-strether wondered . "_[0-i] Not to come ? Why then do [you]_0-i ' meet ' [them]_{515-other people} - since it does n't appear to be to stop [them]_{515-other people} ? " "_[0-i] Oh that [they]_{515-other people} should n't come is as yet too much to ask . What [I]_0-i attend to is that [they]_{515-other people} come quickly and return still more so . [I]_0-i meet [them]_{515-other people} to help it to be over as soon as possible , and though [I]_0-i do n't stop [them]_{515-other people} [I]_0-i 've [my]_0-i way of putting [them]_{515-other people} through . That 's [my]_0-i little system ; and , if [you]_518-she want to know , " said [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie , "_[518-she] it 's [my]_0-i real secret , [my]_0-i innermost mission and use . [I]_0-i only seem , [you]_518-she see , to beguile and approve ; but [I]_0-i 've thought it all out and [I]_0-i 'm working all the while underground . [I]_0-i ca n't perhaps quite give [you]_518-she [my]_0-i formula , but [I]_0-i think that practically [I]_0-i succeed . [I]_0-i send [you]_518-she back spent . So [you]_518-she stay back . Passed through [my]_0-i hands - " "_[519-they] [We]_519-they do n't turn up again ? " The further [she]_518-she went the further [he]_518-she always saw [himself]_518-she able to follow . "_[519-they] [I]_0-i do n't want [your]_518-she formula - [I]_0-i feel quite enough , as [I]_0-i hinted yesterday , [your]_518-she abysses . Spent ! " [he]_518-she echoed . "_[518-she] If that 's how [you]_518-she 're arranging so subtly to send [me]_0-i [I]_0-i thank [you]_518-she for the warning . " For a minute , amid the pleasantness - poetry in tariffed items , but all the more , for [guests already convicted]_{2949-guests already convicted} , a challenge to consumption - [they]_519-they smiled at [each other]_{2864-each other} in confirmed fellowship . "_[518-she] Do [you]_518-she call it subtly ? It 's a plain poor tale . Besides , [you]_518-she 're a special case . " "_[518-she] Oh special cases - that 's weak ! " [She]_518-she was weak enough , further still , to defer [her]_518-she journey and agree to accompany [the gentlemen]_{2951-the gentlemen} on [their]_{2951-the gentlemen} own , might [a separate carriage]_{2952-a separate carriage} mark [her]_518-she independence ; though it was in spite of this to befall after luncheon that [she]_518-she went off alone and that , with a tryst taken for a day of [her]_518-she company in [London]_4-london , [they]_519-they lingered another night . [She]_518-she had , during the morning - spent in a way that [he]_518-she was to remember later on as the very climax of [his]_518-she foretaste , as warm with presentiments , with what [he]_518-she would have called collapses - had all sorts of things out with [Strether]_82-strether ; and among them the fact that though there was never a moment of [her]_518-she life when [she]_518-she was n't "_[518-she] due " somewhere , there was yet scarce a perfidy to others of which [she]_518-she was n't capable for [his]_82-strether sake . [She]_518-she explained moreover that wherever [she]_518-she happened to be [she]_518-she found a dropped thread to pick up , a ragged edge to repair , some familiar appetite in ambush , jumping out as [she]_518-she approached , yet appeasable with a temporary biscuit . It became , on [her]_518-she taking the risk of the deviation imposed on [him]_518-she by [her]_518-she insidious arrangement of [his]_518-she morning meal , a point of honour for [her]_518-she not to fail with Waymarsh of the larger success too ; and [her]_518-she subsequent boast to [Strether]_82-strether was that [she]_518-she had made [[their]_2953-their friend]_{2954-their friend} fare - and quite without [his]_82-strether knowing what was the matter - as [Major Pendennis]_{105-major pendennis} would have fared at [the Megatherium]_{12-the megatherium} . [She]_518-she had made [him]_82-strether breakfast like [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} , and it was nothing , [she]_518-she forcibly asserted , to what [she]_518-she would yet make [him]_82-strether do . [She]_518-she made [him]_82-strether participate in the slow reiterated ramble with which , for [Strether]_82-strether , the new day amply filled itself ; and it was by [her]_518-she art that [he]_82-strether somehow had the air , on [the ramparts]_{2956-the ramparts} and in [the Rows]_{2957-the rows} , of carrying a point of [his]_82-strether own . [The three]_{408-the three} strolled and stared and gossiped , or at least [the two]_{2959-the two} did ; the case really yielding for [[their]_{408-the three} comrade]_{2960-their comrade} , if analysed , but the element of stricken silence . This element indeed affected [Strether]_82-strether as charged with audible rumblings , but [he]_82-strether was conscious of the care of taking it explicitly as a sign of pleasant peace . [He]_82-strether would n't appeal too much , for that provoked stiffness ; yet [he]_82-strether would n't be too freely tacit , for that suggested giving up . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [himself]_96-waymarsh adhered to an ambiguous dumbness that might have represented either the growth of a perception or the despair of one ; and at times and in places - where the low - browed galleries were darkest , [the opposite gables queerest , the solicitations of every kind densest]_{2961-the opposite gables queerest , the solicitations of every kind densest} - the others caught [him]_96-waymarsh fixing hard some object of minor interest , fixing even at moments nothing discernible , as if [he]_96-waymarsh were indulging it with a truce . When [he]_96-waymarsh met [Strether]_82-strether 's eye on such occasions [he]_96-waymarsh looked guilty and furtive , fell the next minute into some attitude of retractation . [[Our]_2962-our friend]_{235-our friend} could n't show [him]_96-waymarsh the right things for fear of provoking some total renouncement , and was tempted even to show [him]_96-waymarsh the wrong in order to make [him]_96-waymarsh differ with triumph . There were moments when [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether felt shy of professing the full sweetness of the taste of leisure , and there were others when [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether feeling as if [his]_82-strether passages of interchange with [the lady at [his]_82-strether side]_{2964-the lady at his side} might fall upon [the third member of [[their]_2962-our party]_{2966-their party}]_{2965-the third member of their party} very much as [Mr. Burchell]_{106-mr. burchell} , at [Dr. Primrose]_{107-dr. primrose} 's fireside , was influenced by the high flights of [the visitors from [London]_4-london]_{2967-the visitors from london} . The smallest things so arrested and amused [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether repeatedly almost apologised - brought up afresh in explanation [his]_82-strether plea of a previous grind . [He]_82-strether was aware at the same time that [his]_82-strether grind had been as nothing to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's , and [he]_82-strether repeatedly confessed that , to cover [his]_82-strether frivolity , [he]_82-strether was doing [his]_82-strether best for [his]_82-strether previous virtue . Do what [he]_82-strether might , in any case , [his]_82-strether previous virtue was still there , and it seemed fairly to stare at [him]_82-strether out of the windows of [shops]_2968-shops that were not as [the shops of Woollett]_{2969-the shops of woollett} , fairly to make [him]_82-strether want things that [he]_82-strether should n't know what to do with . It was by the oddest , the least admissible of laws demoralising [him]_82-strether now ; and the way it boldly took was to make [him]_82-strether want more wants . These first walks in [Europe]_6-europe were in fact a kind of finely lurid intimation of what [one]_2797-one might find at the end of that process . Had [he]_82-strether come back after long years , in something already so like the evening of life , only to be exposed to it ? It was at all events over [the shop]_{2971-the shop} - windows that [he]_82-strether made , with Waymarsh , most free ; though it would have been easier had not the latter most sensibly yielded to the appeal of the merely useful trades . [He]_82-strether pierced with [his]_82-strether sombre detachment the plate - glass of [ironmongers]_{2972-ironmongers} and [saddlers]_{2973-saddlers} , while [Strether]_82-strether flaunted an affinity with [the dealers]_{2974-the dealers} in stamped letter - paper and in smart neckties . [Strether]_82-strether was in fact recurrently shameless in the presence of [the tailors]_{2975-the tailors} , though it was just over the heads of [the tailors]_{2975-the tailors} that [[his]_82-strether countryman]_{2977-his countryman} most loftily looked . This gave [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} a grasped opportunity to back up [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh at [his]_82-strether expense . [The weary lawyer]_{2978-the weary lawyer} - it was unmistakeable - had a conception of dress ; but that , in view of some of the features of the effect produced , was just what made the danger of insistence on it . [Strether]_82-strether wondered if [he]_520-he by this time thought [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} less fashionable or [Lambert Strether]_82-strether more so ; and it appeared probable that most of the remarks exchanged between [this latter pair]_{2979-this latter pair} about [passers]_2980-passers , [figures]_2981-figures , faces , personal types , exemplified in [their]_{2979-this latter pair} degree the disposition to talk as ' society "_{[524-the woman of fashion]} talked . Was what was happening to [himself]_520-he then , was what already HAD happened , really that [a woman of fashion]_{521-a woman of fashion} was floating [him]_520-he into [society]_522-society and that [an old friend deserted on the brink]_{523-an old friend deserted on the brink} was watching the force of the current ? When [the woman of fashion]_{524-the woman of fashion} permitted [Strether]_82-strether - as [she]_{524-the woman of fashion} permitted [him]_82-strether at the most - the purchase of a pair of gloves , the terms [she]_{524-the woman of fashion} made about it , the prohibition of neckties and other items till [she]_{524-the woman of fashion} should be able to guide [him]_82-strether through [the Burlington Arcade]_{13-the burlington arcade} , were such as to fall upon a sensitive ear as a challenge to just imputations . [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} was such [a woman of fashion as could make without a symptom of vulgar blinking]_{525-a woman of fashion as could make without a symptom of vulgar blinking} an appointment for [the Burlington Arcade]_{526-the burlington arcade} . Mere discriminations about a pair of gloves could thus at any rate represent - always for such sensitive ears as were in question - possibilities of something that [Strether]_82-strether could make a mark against only as the peril of apparent wantonness . [He]_82-strether had quite the consciousness of [[his]_82-strether new friend]_{527-his new friend} , for [[their]_528-they companion]_{529-their companion} , that [he]_82-strether might have had of [a Jesuit in petticoats]_{530-a jesuit in petticoats} , [a representative of the recruiting interests of [the Catholic Church]_{532-the catholic church}]_{531-a representative of the recruiting interests of the catholic church} . [The Catholic Church]_{14-the catholic church} , for [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - that was to say [the enemy]_{533-the enemy} , [the monster of bulging eyes and far - reaching quivering groping tentacles]_{534-the monster of bulging eyes and far - reaching quivering groping tentacles} - was exactly society , exactly the multiplication of shibboleths , exactly the discrimination of types and tones , exactly the wicked old Rows of Chester , rank with feudalism ; exactly in short [Europe]_6-europe . There was light for observation , however , in an incident that occurred just before [they]_528-they turned back to luncheon . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had been for a quarter of an hour exceptionally mute and distant , and something , or other - [Strether]_82-strether was never to make out exactly what - proved , as it were , too much for [him]_82-strether after [[his]_82-strether comrades]_{535-his comrades} had stood for three minutes taking in , while [they]_528-they leaned on an old balustrade that guarded [the edge of [the Row]_{537-the row}]_{536-the edge of the row} , [a particularly crooked and huddled street - view]_{538-a particularly crooked and huddled street - view} . " [He]_96-waymarsh thinks [us]_539-us sophisticated , [he]_96-waymarsh thinks [us]_539-us worldly , [he]_96-waymarsh thinks [us]_539-us wicked , [he]_96-waymarsh thinks [us]_539-us all sorts of queer things , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether reflected ; for wondrous were the vague quantities [[our]_539-us friend]_{235-our friend} had within a couple of short days acquired the habit of conveniently and conclusively lumping together . There seemed moreover a direct connexion between some such inference and a sudden grim dash taken by [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh to the opposite side . This movement was startlingly sudden , and [[his]_96-waymarsh companions]_{541-his companions} at first supposed [him]_96-waymarsh to have espied , to be pursuing , the glimpse of [an acquaintance]_{542-an acquaintance} . [They]_{541-his companions} next made out , however , that an open door had instantly received [him]_96-waymarsh , and [they]_{541-his companions} then recognised [him]_96-waymarsh as engulfed in the establishment of [a jeweller]_{543-a jeweller} , behind whose glittering front [he]_96-waymarsh was lost to view . The fact had somehow the note of a demonstration , and it left each of [the others]_{544-the others} to show a face almost of fear . But [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} broke into a laugh . " What 's the matter with [him]_96-waymarsh ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Well , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [he]_96-waymarsh ca n't stand it . "_{[82-strether]} " But ca n't stand what ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Anything . [Europe]_6-europe . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Then how will [that jeweller]_{2982-that jeweller} help [him]_96-waymarsh ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether seemed to make it out , from [their]_545-we position , between the interstices of arrayed watches , of close - hung dangling gewgaws . " [You]_{99-miss gostrey} 'll see . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah that 's just what - if [he]_96-waymarsh buys anything - [I]_82-strether 'm afraid of : that [I]_82-strether shall see something rather dreadful . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether studied the finer appearances . " [He]_96-waymarsh may buy everything . "_{[82-strether]} " Then do n't [you]_82-strether think [we]_545-we ought to follow [him]_96-waymarsh ? "_{[82-strether]} " Not for worlds . Besides [we]_545-we ca n't . [We]_545-we 're paralysed . [We]_545-we exchange a long scared look , [we]_545-we publicly tremble . The thing is , [you]_{99-miss gostrey} see , [we]_545-we ' realise . ' [He]_96-waymarsh has struck for freedom . "_[546-she] [She]_546-she wondered but [she]_546-she laughed . " [Ah]_2983-ah what a price to pay ! And [I]_546-she was preparing some for [him]_96-waymarsh so cheap . "_[546-she] " No , no , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether went on , frankly amused now ; " do n't call it that : the kind of freedom [you]_{99-miss gostrey} deal in is dear . "_{[82-strether]} Then as to justify [himself]_82-strether : " Am [I]_82-strether not in [MY]_82-strether way trying it ? It 's this . "_{[82-strether]} " Being here , [you]_82-strether mean , with [me]_546-she ? "_[546-she] " Yes , and talking to [you]_{99-miss gostrey} as [I]_82-strether do . [I]_82-strether 've known [you]_{99-miss gostrey} a few hours , and [I]_82-strether 've known [HIM]_96-waymarsh all [my]_82-strether life ; so that if the ease [I]_82-strether thus take with [you]_{99-miss gostrey} about [him]_96-waymarsh is n't magnificent "_{[82-strether]} - and the thought of it held [him]_82-strether a moment - " why it 's rather base . "_{[82-strether]} " It 's magnificent ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} to make an end of it . " And [you]_82-strether should hear , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} added , " the ease [I]_{99-miss gostrey} take - and [I]_{99-miss gostrey} above all intend to take - with [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether thought . " About [ME]_82-strether ? [Ah]_2984-ah that 's no equivalent . [The equivalent]_{2985-the equivalent} would be [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's [himself]_96-waymarsh serving [me]_82-strether up - [his]_96-waymarsh remorseless analysis of [me]_82-strether . And [he]_96-waymarsh 'll never do that "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether was sadly clear . " [He]_96-waymarsh 'll never remorselessly analyse [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether quite held [her]_{99-miss gostrey} with the authority of this . " [He]_96-waymarsh 'll never say a word to [you]_82-strether about [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [She]_{99-miss gostrey} took it in ; [she]_{99-miss gostrey} did it justice ; yet after an instant [her]_{99-miss gostrey} reason , [her]_{99-miss gostrey} restless irony , disposed of it . " Of course [he]_96-waymarsh wo n't . For what do [you]_82-strether take [people]_2824-people , that [they]_2824-people 're able to say words about anything , able remorselessly to analyse ? There are not many like [you]_82-strether and [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . It will be only because [he]_96-waymarsh 's too stupid . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} It stirred in [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} friend]_{547-her friend} a sceptical echo which was at the same time the protest of the faith of years . " Waymarsh stupid ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Compared with [you]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had still [his]_82-strether eyes on [the jeweller]_{548-the jeweller} 's front , and [he]_82-strether waited a moment to answer . " [He]_96-waymarsh 's a success of a kind that [I]_82-strether have n't approached . "_{[82-strether]} " Do [you]_82-strether mean [he]_96-waymarsh has made money ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [He]_96-waymarsh makes it - to [my]_82-strether belief . And [I]_82-strether , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " though with a back quite as bent , have never made anything . [I]_82-strether 'm [a perfectly equipped failure]_{2987-a perfectly equipped failure} . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether feared an instant [she]_{99-miss gostrey} 'd ask [him]_82-strether if [he]_82-strether meant [he]_82-strether was poor ; and [he]_82-strether was glad [she]_{99-miss gostrey} did n't , for [he]_82-strether really did n't know to what the truth on this unpleasant point might n't have prompted [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} only , however , confirmed [his]_82-strether assertion . " Thank goodness [you]_82-strether 're a failure - it 's why [I]_{99-miss gostrey} so distinguish [you]_82-strether ! Anything else to - day is too hideous . Look about [you]_82-strether - look at the successes . Would [you]_82-strether BE one , on [your]_82-strether honour ? Look , moreover , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} continued , " at [me]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} For a little accordingly [their]_549-their eyes met . " [I]_82-strether see , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether returned . " [You]_{99-miss gostrey} too are out of it . "_{[82-strether]} " The superiority [you]_82-strether discern in [me]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} concurred , " announces [my]_{99-miss gostrey} futility . If [you]_82-strether knew , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} sighed , " the dreams of [my]_{99-miss gostrey} youth ! But [our]_549-their realities are what has brought [us]_549-their together . [We]_549-their 're beaten [brothers in arms]_{2988-brothers in arms} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [He]_82-strether smiled at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} kindly enough , but [he]_82-strether shook [his]_82-strether head . " It does n't alter the fact that [you]_82-strether 're expensive . [You]_82-strether 've cost [me]_82-strether already - ! "_{[82-strether]} But [he]_82-strether had hung fire . " Cost [you]_82-strether what ? "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [my]_82-strether past - in one great lump . But no matter , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether laughed : " [I]_82-strether 'll pay with [my]_82-strether last penny . "_{[82-strether]} [Her]_{99-miss gostrey} attention had unfortunately now been engaged by [[their]_550-their comrade]_{2960-their comrade} 's return , for [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh met [their]_550-their view as [he]_96-waymarsh came out of [[his]_96-waymarsh shop]_{552-his shop} . " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} hope [he]_96-waymarsh has n't paid , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said , " with [HIS]_96-waymarsh last ; though [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm convinced [he]_96-waymarsh has been splendid , and has been so for [you]_96-waymarsh . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Ah no - not that ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Then for [me]_{99-miss gostrey} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Quite as little . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was by this time near enough to show signs [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} could read , though [he]_96-waymarsh seemed to look almost carefully at nothing in particular . " Then for [himself]_96-waymarsh ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " For [nobody]_270-nobody . For nothing . For freedom . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " But what has freedom to do with it ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether 's answer was indirect . " To be as good as [you]_96-waymarsh and [me]_82-strether . But different . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had had time to take in [[their]_554-they companion]_{529-their companion} 's face ; and with it , as such things were easy for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} took in all . " Different - yes . But better ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} If [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was sombre [he]_96-waymarsh was also indeed almost sublime . [He]_96-waymarsh told [them]_554-they nothing , left [his]_96-waymarsh absence unexplained , and though [they]_554-they were convinced [he]_96-waymarsh had made some extraordinary purchase [they]_554-they were never to learn its nature . [He]_96-waymarsh only glowered grandly at the tops of the old gables . " It 's the sacred rage , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Strether]_82-strether had had further time to say ; and this sacred rage was to become between [them]_554-they , for convenient comprehension , the description of one of [his]_96-waymarsh periodical necessities . It was [Strether]_82-strether who eventually contended that it did make [him]_82-strether better than [they]_554-they . But by that time [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} was convinced that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} did n't want to be better than [Strether]_82-strether . Book Second [I]_0-i Those occasions on which [Strether]_82-strether was , in association with the exile from [Milrose]_104-milrose , to see the sacred rage glimmer through would doubtless have [their]_554-they due periodicity ; but [[our]_556-our friend]_{235-our friend} had meanwhile to find names for many other matters . On no evening of [his]_96-waymarsh life perhaps , as [he]_96-waymarsh reflected , had [he]_96-waymarsh had to supply so many as on the third of [his]_96-waymarsh short stay in [London]_4-london ; an evening spent by [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's side at [one of [the theatres]_{559-the theatres}]_{558-one of the theatres} , to which [he]_96-waymarsh had found [himself]_96-waymarsh transported , without [his]_96-waymarsh own hand raised , on the mere expression of a conscientious wonder . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} knew [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} theatre]_{560-her theatre} , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} knew [her]_{99-miss gostrey} play , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had triumphantly known , three days running , everything else , and the moment filled to the brim , for [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} companion]_{328-her companion} , that apprehension of the interesting which , whether or no the interesting happened to filter through [his]_96-waymarsh guide , strained now to its limits [his]_96-waymarsh brief opportunity . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had n't come with [them]_562-them ; [he]_96-waymarsh had seen plays enough , [he]_96-waymarsh signified , before [Strether]_82-strether had joined [him]_96-waymarsh - an affirmation that had its full force when [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} ascertained by questions that [he]_96-waymarsh had seen two and a circus . Questions as to what [he]_96-waymarsh had seen had on [him]_96-waymarsh indeed an effect only less favourable than questions as to what [he]_96-waymarsh had n't . [He]_96-waymarsh liked [the former]_{564-the former} to be discriminated ; but how could it be done , [Strether]_82-strether asked of [[their]_562-them constant counsellor]_{565-their constant counsellor} , without discriminating [the latter]_{504-the latter} ? [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had dined with [him]_96-waymarsh at [[his]_96-waymarsh hotel]_{567-his hotel} , face to face over a small table on which the lighted candles had rose - coloured shades ; and the rose - coloured shades and the small table and the soft fragrance of [the lady]_{299-the lady} - had anything to [his]_96-waymarsh mere sense ever been so soft ? - were so many touches in [he]_96-waymarsh scarce knew what positive high picture . [He]_96-waymarsh had been to [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} , even to the opera , in [Boston]_15-boston , with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , more than once acting as [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} only escort ; but there had been no little confronted dinner , no pink lights , no whiff of vague sweetness , as a preliminary : one of the results of which was that at present , mildly rueful , though with a sharpish accent , [he]_96-waymarsh actually asked [himself]_96-waymarsh WHY there had n't . There was much the same difference in [his]_96-waymarsh impression of the noticed state of [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} , whose dress was " cut down , "_{[96-waymarsh]} as [he]_96-waymarsh believed the term to be , in respect to shoulders and bosom , in a manner quite other than [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's , and who wore round [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} throat a broad red velvet band with an antique jewel - [he]_96-waymarsh was rather complacently sure it was antique - attached to it in front . [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's dress was never in any degree " cut down , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} and [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} never wore round [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} throat a broad red velvet band : if [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had , moreover , would it ever have served so to carry on and complicate , as [he]_96-waymarsh now almost felt , [his]_96-waymarsh vision ? It would have been absurd of [him]_96-waymarsh to trace into ramifications the effect of the ribbon from which [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's trinket depended , had [he]_96-waymarsh not for the hour , at the best , been so given over to uncontrolled perceptions . What was it but an uncontrolled perception that [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} 's velvet band somehow added , in [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} appearance , to the value of every other item - to that of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} smile and of the way [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} carried [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} head , to that of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} complexion , of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} lips , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} teeth , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} eyes , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} hair ? What , certainly , had [a man]_{572-a man} conscious of [a man]_{572-a man} 's work in [the world]_{2804-the world} to do with red velvet bands ? [He]_96-waymarsh would n't for anything have so exposed [himself]_96-waymarsh as to tell [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} how much [he]_96-waymarsh liked [hers]_{99-miss gostrey} , yet [he]_96-waymarsh HAD none the less not only caught [himself]_96-waymarsh in the act - frivolous , no doubt , idiotic , and above all unexpected - of liking it : [he]_96-waymarsh had in addition taken it as a starting - point for fresh backward , fresh forward , fresh lateral flights . The manner in which [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's throat WAS encircled suddenly represented for [him]_96-waymarsh , in an alien order , almost as many things as the manner in which [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's was . [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} wore , at operatic hours , a black silk dress - very handsome , [he]_96-waymarsh knew it was " handsome "_{[96-waymarsh]} - and an ornament that [his]_96-waymarsh memory was able further to identify as a ruche . [He]_96-waymarsh had [his]_96-waymarsh association indeed with the ruche , but it was rather imperfectly romantic . [He]_96-waymarsh had once said to [the wearer]_{575-the wearer} - and it was as " free "_{[96-waymarsh]} a remark as [he]_96-waymarsh had ever made to [her]_{575-the wearer} - that [she]_{575-the wearer} looked , with [her]_{575-the wearer} ruff and other matters , like [Queen Elizabeth]_{108-queen elizabeth} ; and it had after this in truth been [his]_96-waymarsh fancy that , as a consequence of that tenderness and an acceptance of the idea , the form of this special tribute to the " frill "_{[575-the wearer]} had grown slightly more marked . The connexion , as [he]_96-waymarsh sat there and let [his]_96-waymarsh imagination roam , was to strike [him]_96-waymarsh as vaguely pathetic ; but there it all was , and pathetic was doubtless in the conditions the best thing it could possibly be . It had assuredly existed at any rate ; for it seemed now to come over [him]_96-waymarsh that [no gentleman of [his]_96-waymarsh age at [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{576-no gentleman of his age at woollett} could ever , to [a lady of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's , which was not much less than [his]_96-waymarsh]_{577-a lady of mrs. newsome 's , which was not much less than his} , have embarked on such a simile . All sorts of things in fact now seemed to come over [him]_96-waymarsh , comparatively few of which [[his]_96-waymarsh chronicler]_{578-his chronicler} can hope for space to mention . It came over [him]_96-waymarsh for instance that [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} looked perhaps like [Mary Stuart]_{109-mary stuart} : [Lambert Strether]_82-strether had a candour of fancy which could rest for an instant gratified in such an antithesis . It came over [him]_96-waymarsh that never before - no , literally never - had [a lady]_{579-a lady} dined with [him]_96-waymarsh at [a public place]_{580-a public place} before going to the play . The publicity of [the place]_{2826-the place} was just , in the matter , for [Strether]_82-strether , the rare strange thing ; it affected [him]_96-waymarsh almost as the achievement of privacy might have affected [a man of a different experience]_{582-a man of a different experience} . [He]_82-strether had married , in the far - away years , so young as to have missed the time natural in [Boston]_15-boston for taking [girls]_583-girls to [the Museum]_{584-the museum} ; and it was absolutely true of hint that - even after the close of the period of conscious detachment occupying the centre of [his]_82-strether life , the grey middle desert of the two deaths , that of [[his]_82-strether wife]_{458-his wife} and that , ten years later , of [[his]_82-strether boy]_{586-his boy} - [he]_82-strether had never taken any one anywhere . It came over [him]_96-waymarsh in especial - though the monition had , as happened , already sounded , fitfully gleamed , in other forms - that the business [he]_82-strether had come out on had n't yet been so brought [home]_2874-home to [him]_82-strether as by the sight of [the people about [him]_82-strether]_{588-the people about him} . [She]_{458-his wife} gave [him]_96-waymarsh the impression , [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} , at first , more straight than [he]_96-waymarsh got it for [himself]_96-waymarsh - gave it simply by saying with off - hand illumination : " Oh yes , they 're types ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} - but after [he]_96-waymarsh had taken it [he]_96-waymarsh made to the full [his]_96-waymarsh own use of it ; both while [he]_96-waymarsh kept silence for the four acts and while [he]_96-waymarsh talked in the intervals . It was an evening , it was a world of types , and this was a connexion above all in which the figures and faces in [the stalls]_{590-the stalls} were interchangeable with those on [the stage]_{591-the stage} . [He]_96-waymarsh felt as if the play itself penetrated [him]_96-waymarsh with the naked elbow of [[his]_96-waymarsh neighbour]_{592-his neighbour} , [a great stripped handsome red - haired lady who conversed with [a gentleman on [her]_{458-his wife} other side in stray dissyllables which had for [his]_96-waymarsh ear , in the oddest way in [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{594-a gentleman on her other side in stray dissyllables which had for his ear , in the oddest way in the world} , so much sound that [he]_96-waymarsh wondered [they]_596-they had n't more sense]_{593-a great stripped handsome red - haired lady who conversed with a gentleman on her other side in stray dissyllables which had for his ear , in the oddest way in the world , so much sound that he wondered they had n't more sense} ; and [he]_96-waymarsh recognised by the same law , beyond the footlights , what [he]_96-waymarsh was pleased to take for the very flush of English life . [He]_96-waymarsh had distracted drops in which [he]_96-waymarsh could n't have said if it were [actors]_597-actors or [auditors who were most true , and the upshot of which , each time , was the consciousness of new contacts]_{598-auditors who were most true , and the upshot of which , each time , was the consciousness of new contacts} . However [he]_96-waymarsh viewed [his]_96-waymarsh job it was " types "_{[96-waymarsh]} [he]_96-waymarsh should have to tackle . Those before [him]_96-waymarsh and around [him]_96-waymarsh were not as the types of [Woollett]_87-woollett , where , for that matter , it had begun to seem to [him]_96-waymarsh that there must only have been [the male]_{599-the male} and [the female]_{600-the female} . These made two exactly , even with the individual varieties . Here , on the other hand , apart from the personal and the sexual range - which might be greater or less - a series of strong stamps had been applied , as it were , from without ; stamps that [his]_96-waymarsh observation played with as , before a glass case on a table , it might have passed from medal to medal and from copper to gold . It befell that in the drama precisely there was [a bad woman]_{601-a bad woman} in a yellow frock who made [a pleasant weak good - looking young man in perpetual evening dress]_{602-a pleasant weak good - looking young man in perpetual evening dress} do the most dreadful things . [Strether]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether on the whole not afraid of the yellow frock , but [he]_82-strether was vaguely anxious over a certain kindness into which [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether drifting for its victim . [He]_96-waymarsh had n't come out , [he]_82-strether reminded [himself]_82-strether , to be too kind , or indeed to be kind at all , to [Chadwick Newsome]_110-chadwick . Would [Chad]_111-chad also be in perpetual evening dress ? [He]_82-strether somehow rather hoped it - it seemed so to add to [THIS young man]_{603-this young man} 's general amenability ; though [he]_82-strether wondered too if , to fight [him]_111-chad with [his]_82-strether own weapons , [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether a thought almost startling would have likewise to be . [This young man]_{603-this young man} furthermore would have been much more easy to handle - at least for [HIM]_{603-this young man} - than appeared probable in respect to [Chad]_111-chad . It came up for [him]_82-strether with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} that there were things of which [she]_{99-miss gostrey} would really perhaps after all have heard , and [she]_{99-miss gostrey} admitted when a little pressed that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was never quite sure of what [she]_{99-miss gostrey} heard as distinguished from things such as , on occasions like the present , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} only extravagantly guessed . " [I]_605-i seem with this freedom , [you]_82-strether see , to have guessed [Mr. Chad]_111-chad . [He]_111-chad 's [a young man on whose head high hopes are]_{2990-a young man on whose head high hopes are} placed at [Woollett]_87-woollett ; [a young man]_{2991-a young man} [a wicked woman]_{2992-a wicked woman} has got hold of and whom [[his]_111-chad family]_{2993-his family} over there have sent [you]_82-strether out to rescue . [You]_82-strether 've accepted the mission of separating [him]_111-chad from [the wicked woman]_{2994-the wicked woman} . Are [you]_82-strether quite sure [she]_{2994-the wicked woman} 's very bad for [him]_111-chad ? "_[605-i] Something in [his]_605-i manner showed it as quite pulling [him]_605-i up . " Of course [we]_2995-we are . Would n't [YOU]_82-strether be ? "_[605-i] " Oh [I]_606-i do n't know . [One]_2797-one never does - does one ? - beforehand . [One]_2797-one can only judge on the facts . [Yours]_82-strether are quite new to [me]_606-i ; [I]_606-i 'm really not in the least , as [you]_82-strether see , in possession of them : so it will be awfully interesting to have them from [you]_82-strether . If [you]_82-strether 're satisfied , that 's all that 's required . [I]_606-i mean if [you]_82-strether 're sure [you]_82-strether ARE sure : sure it wo n't do . "_[606-i] " That [he]_111-chad should lead such a life ? Rather ! "_[606-i] " Oh but [I]_606-i do n't know , [you]_82-strether see , about [his]_111-chad life ; [you]_82-strether 've not told [me]_606-i about [his]_111-chad life . [She]_2998-she may be charming - [his]_111-chad life ! "_[606-i] " [Charming]_112-charming ? "_[606-i] - [Strether]_82-strether stared before [him]_82-strether . " [She]_2998-she 's base , venal - out of [the streets]_{2999-the streets} . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_606-i see . And [HE]_111-chad - ? "_[606-i] " [Chad]_111-chad , [wretched boy]_{3000-wretched boy} ? "_[606-i] " Of what type and temper is [he]_111-chad ? "_[606-i] [she]_606-i went on as [Strether]_82-strether had lapsed . " Well - the obstinate . "_[606-i] It was as if for a moment [he]_82-strether had been going to say more and had then controlled [himself]_82-strether . That was scarce what [she]_606-i wished . " Do [you]_82-strether like [him]_111-chad ? "_{[82-strether]} This time [he]_82-strether was prompt . " No . How CAN [I]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} " Do [you]_82-strether mean because of [your]_82-strether being so saddled with [him]_111-chad ? "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether 'm thinking of [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether after a moment . " [He]_111-chad has darkened [her]_{3001-his mother} admirable life . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether spoke with austerity . " [He]_111-chad has worried [her]_{3001-his mother} half to death . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh that 's of course odious . "_[606-i] [She]_606-i had a pause as if for renewed emphasis of this truth , but it ended on another note . " Is [her]_{3001-his mother} life very admirable ? "_[606-i] " Extraordinarily . "_[606-i] There was so much in the tone that [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had to devote another pause to the appreciation of it . " And has [he]_111-chad only [HER]_{3001-his mother} ? [I]_606-i do n't mean [the bad woman in [Paris]_1-paris]_{3002-the bad woman in paris} , "_[606-i] [she]_606-i quickly added - " for [I]_606-i assure [you]_{99-miss gostrey} [I]_606-i should n't even at the best be disposed to allow [him]_111-chad more than one . But has [he]_111-chad only [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} ? "_[606-i] " [He]_111-chad has also [a sister]_{3004-a sister} , older than [himself]_111-chad and married ; and [they]_3005-they 're [both remarkably fine women]_{3006-both remarkably fine women} . "_[606-i] " Very handsome , [you]_607-he mean ? "_[606-i] This promptitude - almost , as [he]_607-he might have thought , this precipitation , gave [him]_607-he a brief drop ; but [he]_607-he came up again . " [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , [I]_607-he think , is handsome , though [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's not of course , with [a son of twenty - eight]_{3007-a son of twenty - eight} and [a daughter of thirty]_{3008-a daughter of thirty} , in [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} very first youth . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} married , however , extremely young . "_[607-he] " And is wonderful , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked , " for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} age ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether seemed to feel with a certain disquiet the pressure of it . " [I]_607-he do n't say [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's wonderful . Or rather , "_[607-he] [he]_607-he went on the next moment , " [I]_607-he do say it . It 's exactly what [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} IS - wonderful . But [I]_607-he was n't thinking of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} appearance , "_[607-he] [he]_607-he explained - ' striking as that doubtless is . [I]_0-i was thinking - well , of many other things . " [He]_607-he seemed to look at these as if to mention some of them ; then took , pulling [himself]_607-he up , another turn . "_[0-i] About [[Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} [people]_2824-people]_{608-mrs. pocock people} may differ . " "_{[2824-people]} Is that [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} 's name - ' [Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ' ? " "_{[2824-people]} That 's [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} 's name , " [Strether]_82-strether sturdily confessed . "_{[2824-people]} And [people]_2824-people may differ , [you]_82-strether mean , about [HER]_{610-the daughter} beauty ? " "_{[2824-people]} About everything . " "_{[2824-people]} But [YOU]_82-strether admire [her]_{610-the daughter} ? " [He]_607-he gave [[his]_607-he friend]_{259-his friend} a glance as to show how [he]_607-he could bear this "_{[82-strether]} [I]_0-i 'm perhaps a little afraid of [her]_{610-the daughter} . " "_{[610-the daughter]} Oh , " said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_{[610-the daughter]} [I]_0-i see [her]_{610-the daughter} from here ! [You]_0-i may say then [I]_0-i see very fast and very far , but [I]_0-i 've already shown [you]_0-i [I]_0-i do . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} and [the two ladies]_{614-the two ladies} , " [she]_0-i went on , "_{[614-the two ladies]} are at any rate all [the family]_{615-the family} ? " "_{[614-the two ladies]} Quite all . [[His]_{2833-the young man} father]_{616-his father} has been dead ten years , and there 's [no brother]_{617-no brother} , nor [any other sister]_{618-any other sister} . [They]_619-they 'd do , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[619-they] anything in [the world]_{2804-the world} for [him]_{2833-the young man} . " "_[619-they] And [you]_0-i 'd do anything in [the world]_{2804-the world} for [THEM]_619-they ? " [He]_82-strether shifted again ; [she]_0-i had made it perhaps just a shade too affirmative for [his]_82-strether nerves . "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i do n't know ! " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 'd do at any rate this , and the ' anything ' [they]_619-they 'd do is represented by [their]_619-they MAKING [you]_0-i do it . " "_[619-they] Ah [they]_619-they could n't have come - either of [them]_619-they . [They]_619-they 're [very busy people]_{622-very busy people} and [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} in particular has a large full life . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's moreover highly nervous - and not at all strong . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [You]_0-i mean [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's [an American invalid]_{623-an american invalid} ? " [He]_3010-he carefully distinguished . "_[0-i] There 's nothing [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} likes less than to be called one , but [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} would consent to be one of those things , [I]_0-i think , " [he]_3010-he laughed , "_[0-i] if it were the only way to be the other . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Consent to be [an American]_{624-an american} in order to be [an invalid]_{625-an invalid} ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} No , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} the other way round . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's at any rate delicate sensitive high - strung . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} puts so much of [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} into everything - " Ah [Maria]_97-mamie knew these things ! "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} That [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} has nothing left for anything else ? Of course [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} has n't . To whom do [you]_0-i say it ? High - strung ? Do n't [I]_0-i spend [my]_0-i life , for [them]_626-them , jamming down the pedal ? [I]_0-i see moreover how it has told on [you]_0-i . " [Strether]_82-strether took this more lightly . "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i jam down the pedal too ! " "_[0-i] Well , " [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} lucidly returned , "_[0-i] [we]_627-we must from this moment bear on it together with all [our]_627-we might . " And [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} forged ahead . "_[626-them] Have [they]_626-them money ? " But it was as if , while [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} energetic image still held [him]_82-strether , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} enquiry fell short . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , " [he]_82-strether wished further to explain , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} has n't moreover [your]_{88-mrs. newsome} courage on the question of contact . If [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had come it would have been to see [the person]_{628-the person} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_{[629-the woman]} [The woman]_{629-the woman} ? [Ah]_630-ah but that 's courage . " "_[630-ah] No - it 's exaltation , which is a very different thing . Courage , " [he]_82-strether , however , accommodatingly threw out , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} is what [YOU]_{88-mrs. newsome} have . " [She]_0-i shook [her]_0-i head . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [You]_{88-mrs. newsome} say that only to patch [me]_0-i up - to cover the nudity of [my]_0-i want of exaltation . [I]_0-i 've neither [the one]_{631-the one} nor the other . [I]_0-i 've mere battered indifference . [I]_0-i see that what [you]_{88-mrs. newsome} mean , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} pursued , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} is that if [[your]_{88-mrs. newsome} friend]_{632-your friend} HAD come [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} would take great views , and the great views , to put it simply , would be too much for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " [Strether]_82-strether looked amused at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} notion of the simple , but [he]_82-strether adopted [her]_{99-miss gostrey} formula . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Everything 's too much for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_[633-ah] [Ah]_633-ah then such a service as this of [yours]_{88-mrs. newsome} - " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Is more for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} than anything else ? Yes - far more . But so long as it is n't too much for [ME]_0-i - ! " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [Her]_{88-mrs. newsome} condition does n't matter ? Surely not ; [we]_634-we leave [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} condition out ; [we]_634-we take it , that is , for granted . [I]_0-i see it , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} condition , as behind and beneath [you]_{88-mrs. newsome} ; yet at the same time [I]_0-i see it as bearing [you]_{88-mrs. newsome} up . " "_[0-i] Oh it does bear [me]_0-i up ! " [Strether]_82-strether laughed . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Well then as [yours]_{88-mrs. newsome} bears [ME]_0-i nothing more 's needed . " With which [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} put again [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} question . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Has [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} money ? " This time [he]_82-strether heeded . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Oh plenty . That 's the root of the evil . There 's money , to very large amounts , in the concern . [Chad]_111-chad has had the free use of a great deal . But if [he]_111-chad 'll pull [himself]_111-chad together and come [home]_2874-home , all the same , [he]_111-chad 'll find [his]_111-chad account in it . " [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} had listened with all [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} interest . "_[111-chad] And [I]_0-i hope to goodness [you]_0-i 'll find [yours]_0-i ! " "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad 'll take up [his]_111-chad definite material reward , " said [Strether]_82-strether without acknowledgement of this . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad 's at the parting of the ways . [He]_111-chad can come into the business now - [he]_111-chad ca n't come later . " "_[111-chad] Is there a business ? " "_[111-chad] Lord , yes - a big brave bouncing business . A roaring trade . " "_[111-chad] A great shop ? " "_[111-chad] Yes - [a workshop]_{636-a workshop} ; a great production , a great industry . [The concern]_{637-the concern} 's a manufacture - and a manufacture that , if it 's only properly looked after , may well be on the way to become a monopoly . It 's a little thing [they]_638-they make - make better , it appears , than [other people]_{515-other people} can , or than [other people]_{515-other people} , at any rate , do . [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} , being [a man of ideas , at least in that particular line]_{641-a man of ideas , at least in that particular line} , " [Strether]_82-strether explained , "_{[114-mr. newsome]} put them on it with great effect , and gave [the place]_{2826-the place} altogether , in [his]_{114-mr. newsome} time , an immense lift . " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} It 's a place in [itself]_{2826-the place} ? " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Well , quite [a number of buildings]_{643-a number of buildings} ; almost [a little industrial colony]_{644-a little industrial colony} . But above all it 's a thing . The article produced . " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} And what IS the article produced ? " [Strether]_82-strether looked about [him]_82-strether as in slight reluctance to say ; then the curtain , which [he]_82-strether saw about to rise , came to [his]_82-strether aid . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll tell [you]_645-she next time . " But when the next time came [he]_82-strether only said [he]_82-strether 'd tell [her]_645-she later on - after [they]_3011-they should have left [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} ; for [she]_645-she had immediately reverted to [their]_3011-they topic , and even for [himself]_82-strether the picture of the stage was now overlaid with another image . [His]_82-strether postponements , however , made [her]_645-she wonder - wonder if the article referred to were anything bad . And [she]_645-she explained that [she]_645-she meant improper or ridiculous or wrong . But [Strether]_82-strether , so far as that went , could satisfy [her]_645-she . "_[0-i] Unmentionable ? Oh no , [we]_646-we constantly talk of it ; [we]_646-we are quite familiar and brazen about it . Only , as a small , trivial , rather ridiculous object of the commonest domestic use , it 's just wanting in - what shall [I]_0-i say ? Well , dignity , or the least approach to distinction . Right here therefore , with everything about [us]_646-we so grand - ! " In short [he]_82-strether shrank . "_[0-i] It 's a false note ? " "_[0-i] Sadly . It 's vulgar . " "_[0-i] But surely not vulgarer than this . " Then on [his]_82-strether wondering as [she]_645-she [herself]_645-she had done : "_[0-i] Than everything about [us]_646-we . " [She]_645-she seemed a trifle irritated . "_[0-i] What do [you]_0-i take this for ? " "_[0-i] Why for - comparatively - divine ! " "_[0-i] [This dreadful [London]_4-london theatre]_{647-this dreadful london theatre} ? It 's impossible , if [you]_0-i really want to know . " "_[0-i] Oh then , " laughed [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i DON'T really want to know ! " It made between [them]_646-we a pause , which [she]_645-she , however , still fascinated by the mystery of the production at [Woollett]_87-woollett , presently broke . "_[0-i] ' Rather ridiculous ' ? Clothes - pins ? [Saleratus]_{115-saleratus} ? Shoe - polish ? " It brought [him]_82-strether round . "_{[115-saleratus]} No - [you]_0-i do n't even ' burn . ' [I]_0-i do n't think , [you]_0-i know , [you]_0-i 'll guess it . " "_[0-i] How then can [I]_0-i judge how vulgar it is ? " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 'll judge when [I]_0-i do tell [you]_0-i " - and [he]_82-strether persuaded [her]_645-she to patience . But it may even now frankly be mentioned that [he]_82-strether in the sequel never WAS to tell [her]_645-she . [He]_82-strether actually never did so , and it moreover oddly occurred that by the law , within [her]_645-she , of the incalculable , [her]_645-she desire for the information dropped and [her]_645-she attitude to the question converted itself into a positive cultivation of ignorance . In ignorance [she]_645-she could humour [her]_645-she fancy , and that proved a useful freedom . [She]_645-she could treat the little nameless object as indeed unnameable - [she]_645-she could make [their]_3013-their abstention enormously definite . There might indeed have been for [Strether]_82-strether the portent of this in what [she]_645-she next said . "_[0-i] Is it perhaps then because it 's so bad - because [your]_0-i industry as [you]_0-i call it , IS so vulgar - that [Mr. Chad]_111-chad wo n't come back ? Does [he]_111-chad feel the taint ? Is [he]_111-chad staying away not to be mixed up in it ? " "_[111-chad] Oh , " [Strether]_82-strether laughed , "_[111-chad] it would n't appear - would it ? - that [he]_111-chad feels ' taints ' ! [He]_111-chad 's glad enough of the money from it , and the money 's [his]_111-chad whole basis . There 's appreciation in that - [I]_0-i mean as to the allowance [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} has hitherto made [him]_111-chad . [She]_{3001-his mother} has of course the resource of cutting this allowance off ; but even then [he]_111-chad has unfortunately , and on no small scale , [his]_111-chad independent supply - money left [him]_111-chad by [[his]_111-chad grandfather]_{649-his grandfather} , [[her]_{3001-his mother} own father]_{650-her own father} . " "_[111-chad] Would n't the fact [you]_0-i mention then , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked , "_[111-chad] make it just more easy for [him]_111-chad to be particular ? Is n't [he]_111-chad conceivable as fastidious about the source - the apparent and public source - of [his]_111-chad income ? " [Strether]_82-strether was able quite good - humouredly to entertain the proposition . "_[111-chad] The source of [[his]_111-chad grandfather]_{649-his grandfather} 's wealth - and thereby of [his]_111-chad own share in it - was not particularly noble . " "_[111-chad] And what source was it ? " [Strether]_82-strether cast about . "_[111-chad] Well - practices . " "_[111-chad] In business ? Infamies ? [He]_111-chad was [an old swindler]_{652-an old swindler} ? " "_{[652-an old swindler]} Oh , " [he]_82-strether said with more emphasis than spirit , "_{[652-an old swindler]} [I]_0-i sha n't describe [HIM]_111-chad nor narrate [his]_111-chad exploits . " "_[0-i] Lord , what abysses ! And [the late Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} then ? " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Well , what about [him]_111-chad ? " "_[111-chad] Was [he]_111-chad like [the grandfather]_{653-the grandfather} ? " "_[111-chad] No - [he]_111-chad was on the other side of [the house]_{654-the house} . And [he]_111-chad was different . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} kept it up . "_[111-chad] Better ? " [[Her]_{99-miss gostrey} friend]_{547-her friend} for a moment hung fire . "_[111-chad] No . " [Her]_{99-miss gostrey} comment on [his]_{656-the boy} hesitation was scarce the less marked for being mute . "_[111-chad] Thank [you]_655-you . NOW do n't [you]_655-you see , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} went on , "_[655-you] why [the boy]_{656-the boy} does n't come [home]_2874-home ? [He]_{656-the boy} 's drowning [his]_{656-the boy} shame . " "_{[656-the boy]} [His]_{656-the boy} shame ? What shame ? " "_{[656-the boy]} What shame ? Comment donc ? THE shame . " "_{[656-the boy]} But where and when , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_{[656-the boy]} is ' THE shame ' - where is any shame - to - day ? [The men [I]_0-i speak of]_{658-the men i speak of} - [they]_{658-the men i speak of} did as [every one]_{659-every one} does ; and besides being ancient history it was all a matter of appreciation . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} showed how [she]_{99-miss gostrey} understood . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} has appreciated ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Ah [I]_0-i ca n't speak for [HER]_{88-mrs. newsome} ! " "_[0-i] In the midst of such doings - and , as [I]_0-i understand [you]_655-you , profiting by [them]_660-them , [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} at least has remained exquisite ? " "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i ca n't talk of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ! " [Strether]_82-strether said . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i thought [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} was just what [you]_655-you COULD talk of . [You]_655-you DON'T trust [me]_0-i , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} after a moment declared . [It]_3015-it had its effect . "_[655-you] Well , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} money is spent , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} life conceived and carried on with a large beneficence - " "_[655-you] That 's a kind of expiation of wrongs ? Gracious , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} added before [he]_655-you could speak , "_[655-you] how intensely [you]_655-you make [me]_0-i see [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ! " "_[655-you] If [you]_655-you see [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , " [Strether]_82-strether dropped , "_[655-you] it 's all that 's necessary . " [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} really seemed to have [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . "_[655-you] [I]_0-i feel that . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} IS , in spite of everything , handsome . " This at least enlivened [him]_655-you . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} What do [you]_655-you mean by everything ? " "_[655-you] Well , [I]_0-i mean [YOU]_655-you . " With which [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had one of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} swift changes of ground . "_[655-you] [You]_655-you say the concern needs looking after ; but does n't [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} look after it ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} So far as possible . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's wonderfully able , but it 's not [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} affair , and [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} life 's a good deal overcharged . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} has many , many things . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} And [you]_655-you also ? " "_[655-you] Oh yes - [I]_0-i 've many too , if [you]_655-you will . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see . But what [I]_0-i mean is , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} amended , "_[655-you] do [you]_655-you also look after the business ? " "_[655-you] Oh no , [I]_0-i do n't touch the business . " "_[0-i] Only everything else ? " "_[0-i] Well , yes - some things . " "_[0-i] As for instance - ? " [Strether]_82-strether obligingly thought . "_[0-i] Well , the Review . " "_[0-i] The Review ? - [you]_655-you have a Review ? " "_[655-you] Certainly . [Woollett]_87-woollett has a Review - which [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , for the most part , magnificently pays for and which [I]_0-i , not at all magnificently , edit . [My]_0-i name 's on the cover , " [Strether]_82-strether pursued , "_[0-i] and [I]_0-i 'm really rather disappointed and hurt that [you]_655-you seem never to have heard of it . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} neglected for a moment this grievance . "_[0-i] And what kind of a Review is it ? " [His]_82-strether serenity was now completely restored . "_[0-i] Well , it 's green . " "_[0-i] Do [you]_655-you mean in political colour as [they]_661-they say here - in thought ? " "_[655-you] No ; [I]_0-i mean the cover 's green - of the most lovely shade . " "_[0-i] And with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's name on it too ? " [He]_82-strether waited a little . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Oh as for that [you]_655-you must judge if [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} peeps out . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's behind the whole thing ; but [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's of a delicacy and a discretion - ! " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} took it all . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [I]_0-i 'm sure . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} WOULD be . [I]_0-i do n't underrate [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} must be rather a swell . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Oh yes , [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's rather a swell ! " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} A Woollett swell - bon ! [I]_0-i like the idea of a Woollett swell . And [you]_655-you must be rather one too , to be so mixed up with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_[655-you] Ah no , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[655-you] that 's not the way it works . " But [she]_0-i had already taken [him]_82-strether up . "_[655-you] The way it works - [you]_655-you need n't tell [me]_0-i ! - is of course that [you]_655-you efface [yourself]_655-you . " "_[655-you] With [my]_0-i name on the cover ? " [he]_82-strether lucidly objected . "_[662-ah] [Ah]_662-ah but [you]_655-you do n't put it on for [yourself]_655-you . " "_[655-you] [I]_0-i beg [your]_655-you pardon - that 's exactly what [I]_0-i do put it on for . It 's exactly the thing that [I]_0-i 'm reduced to doing for [myself]_0-i . It seems to rescue a little , [you]_655-you see , from the wreck of hopes and ambitions , the refuse - heap of disappointments and failures , [my]_0-i one presentable little scrap of an identity . " On this [she]_663-she looked at [him]_82-strether as to say many things , but what [she]_663-she at last simply said was : "_[663-she] [She]_663-she likes to see it there . [You]_655-you 're the bigger swell of the two , " [she]_663-she immediately continued , "_[655-you] because [you]_655-you think [you]_655-you 're not one . [She]_663-she thinks [she]_663-she IS one . However , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} added , ' [she]_663-she thinks [you]_655-you 're one too . [You]_655-you 're at all events the biggest [she]_663-she can get hold of . "_[663-she] [She]_663-she embroidered , [she]_663-she abounded . " [I]_663-she do n't say it to interfere between [you]_655-you , but on the day [she]_663-she gets hold of a bigger one - ! "_[663-she] [Strether]_82-strether had thrown back [his]_82-strether head as in silent mirth over something that struck [him]_82-strether in [her]_663-she audacity or felicity , and [her]_663-she flight meanwhile was already higher . " Therefore close with [her]_663-she - ! "_{[82-strether]} " Close with [her]_663-she ? "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether asked as [she]_663-she seemed to hang poised . " Before [you]_663-she lose [your]_663-she chance . "_[663-she] [Their]_664-we eyes met over it . " What do [you]_82-strether mean by closing ? "_[663-she] " And what do [I]_663-she mean by [your]_663-she chance ? [I]_663-she 'll tell [you]_663-she when [you]_663-she tell [me]_663-she all the things [YOU]_663-she do n't . Is it [her]_663-she GREATEST fad ? "_[663-she] [she]_663-she briskly pursued . " The Review ? "_[663-she] [He]_82-strether seemed to wonder how [he]_82-strether could best describe it . This resulted however but in a sketch . " It 's [her]_663-she tribute to the ideal . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_663-she see . [You]_82-strether go in for tremendous things . "_[663-she] " [We]_664-we go in for the unpopular side - that is so far as [we]_664-we dare . "_{[82-strether]} " And how far DO [you]_82-strether dare ? "_[663-she] " Well , [she]_663-she very far . [I]_82-strether much less . [I]_82-strether do n't begin to have [her]_663-she faith . [She]_663-she provides , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " three fourths of that . And [she]_663-she provides , as [I]_82-strether 've confided to [you]_663-she , ALL the money . "_{[82-strether]} It evoked somehow a vision of gold that held for a little [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's eyes , and [she]_663-she looked as if [she]_663-she heard the bright dollars shovelled in . " [I]_663-she hope then [you]_82-strether make a good thing - "_[663-she] " [I]_82-strether NEVER made a good thing ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether at once returned . [She]_663-she just waited . " Do n't [you]_82-strether call it a good thing to be loved ? "_[663-she] " Oh [we]_3016-we 're not loved . [We]_3016-we 're not even hated . [We]_3016-we 're only just sweetly ignored . "_[663-she] [She]_663-she had another pause . " [You]_82-strether do n't trust [me]_663-she ! "_[663-she] [she]_663-she once more repeated . " Do n't [I]_663-she when [I]_663-she lift the last veil ? - tell [you]_82-strether the very secret of [the prison - house]_{3017-the prison - house} ? "_[663-she] Again [she]_663-she met [his]_82-strether eyes , but to the result that after an instant [her]_663-she own turned away with impatience . " [You]_82-strether do n't sell ? Oh [I]_663-she 'm glad of THAT ! "_[663-she] After which however , and before [he]_82-strether could protest , [she]_663-she was off again . " [She]_{259-his friend} 's just [a MORAL swell]_{3018-a moral swell} . "_[663-she] [He]_82-strether accepted gaily enough the definition . " Yes - [I]_82-strether really think that describes [her]_{259-his friend} . "_{[82-strether]} But it had for [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} the oddest connexion . " How does [she]_{259-his friend} do [her]_{259-his friend} hair ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether laughed out . " Beautifully ! "_{[82-strether]} " Ah that does n't tell [me]_82-strether . However , it does n't matter - [I]_82-strether know . It 's tremendously neat - a real reproach ; quite remarkably thick and without , as yet , a single strand of white . There ! "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether blushed for [her]_663-she realism , but gaped at [her]_663-she truth . " [You]_82-strether 're [the very deuce]_{3019-the very deuce} . "_{[82-strether]} " What else SHOULD [I]_663-she be ? It was as the very deuce [I]_663-she pounced on [you]_82-strether . But do n't let it trouble [you]_82-strether , for everything but [the very deuce]_{3019-the very deuce} - at [our]_3021-our age - is [a bore and a delusion]_{3022-a bore and a delusion} , and even [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , after all , but half a joy . "_[663-she] With which , on a single sweep of [her]_663-she wing , [she]_663-she resumed . " [You]_82-strether assist [her]_{3019-the very deuce} to expiate - which is rather hard when [you]_82-strether 've [yourself]_82-strether not sinned . "_[663-she] " It 's [she]_{3019-the very deuce} who has n't sinned , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether replied . " [I]_82-strether 've sinned the most . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} cynically laughed , " what a picture of [HER]_{3019-the very deuce} ! Have [you]_82-strether robbed [the widow]_{3023-the widow} and [the orphan]_{3024-the orphan} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [I]_82-strether 've sinned enough , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . " Enough for whom ? Enough for what ? "_{[82-strether]} " Well , to be where [I]_{99-miss gostrey} am . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Thank [you]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} [They]_666-they were disturbed at this moment by the passage between [their]_666-they knees and the back of the seats before [them]_666-they of [a gentleman who had been absent during a part of the performance and who now returned for the close]_{667-a gentleman who had been absent during a part of the performance and who now returned for the close} ; but the interruption left [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} time , before the subsequent hush , to express as a sharp finality [her]_{99-miss gostrey} sense of the moral of all [their]_666-they talk . " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} knew [you]_82-strether had something up [your]_82-strether sleeve ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} This finality , however , left [them]_666-they in its turn , at the end of the play , as disposed to hang back as if [they]_666-they had still much to say ; so that [they]_666-they easily agreed to let [every one]_{659-every one} go before [them]_666-they - [they]_666-they found an interest in waiting . [They]_666-they made out from [the lobby]_{669-the lobby} that the night had turned to rain ; yet [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} let [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} friend]_{547-her friend} know that [he]_{547-her friend} was n't to see [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} [home]_2874-home]_{671-her home} . [He]_{547-her friend} was simply to put [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , by [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} , into [a four - wheeler]_{673-a four - wheeler} ; [she]_{99-miss gostrey} liked so in [London]_4-london , of wet nights after wild pleasures , thinking things over , on the return , in [lonely four - wheelers]_{674-lonely four - wheelers} . This was [her]_{99-miss gostrey} great time , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} intimated , for pulling [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} together . The delays caused by the weather , the struggle for [vehicles]_675-vehicles at the door , gave [them]_666-they occasion to subside on a divan at the back of [the vestibule]_{676-the vestibule} and just beyond the reach of the fresh damp gusts from [the street]_{356-the street} . Here [[Strether]_82-strether 's comrade]_{678-strether 's comrade} resumed that free handling of the subject to which [his]_82-strether own imagination of it already owed so much . " Does [[your]_82-strether young friend in [Paris]_1-paris]_{3025-your young friend in paris} like [you]_82-strether ? "_{[678-strether 's comrade]} It had almost , after the interval , startled [him]_82-strether . " Oh [I]_{678-strether 's comrade} hope not ! Why SHOULD [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} ? "_{[678-strether 's comrade]} " Why should n't [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked . " That [you]_82-strether 're coming down on [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} need have nothing to do with it . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [You]_82-strether see more in it , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether presently returned , " than [I.]_82-strether "_{[82-strether]} " Of course [I]_{99-miss gostrey} see [you]_82-strether in it . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Well then [you]_82-strether see more in ' [me]_{99-miss gostrey} ' ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Than [you]_82-strether see in [yourself]_82-strether ? Very likely . That 's always one 's right . What [I]_{99-miss gostrey} was thinking of , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} explained , " is the possible particular effect on [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} of [his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} milieu . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Oh [his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} milieu - ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether really felt [he]_82-strether could imagine it better now than three hours before . " Do [you]_{99-miss gostrey} mean it can only have been so lowering ? "_{[82-strether]} " Why that 's [my]_{99-miss gostrey} very starting - point . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Yes , but [you]_{99-miss gostrey} start so far back . What do [his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} letters say ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Nothing . [He]_{3025-your young friend in paris} practically ignores [us]_3026-us - or spares [us]_3026-us . [He]_{3025-your young friend in paris} does n't write . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} see . But there are all the same , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} went on , " two quite distinct things that - given the wonderful place [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} 's in - may have happened to [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} . One is that [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} may have got brutalised . The other is that [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} may have got refined . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether stared - this WAS a novelty . " Refined ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said quietly , " there ARE refinements . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} The way of it made [him]_82-strether , after looking at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , break into a laugh . " [YOU]_{99-miss gostrey} have them ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " As one of the signs , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} continued in the same tone , " they constitute perhaps the worst . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [He]_82-strether thought it over and [his]_82-strether gravity returned . " Is it a refinement not to answer [[his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} mother]_{3001-his mother} 's letters ? "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{99-miss gostrey} appeared to have a scruple , but [she]_{99-miss gostrey} brought it out . " Oh [I]_{99-miss gostrey} should say the greatest of all . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Well , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [I'M]_82-strether quite content to let it , as one of the signs , pass for the worst that [I]_82-strether know [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} believes [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} can do what [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} likes with [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} This appeared to strike [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . " How do [you]_82-strether know it ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Oh [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm sure of it . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} feel it in [my]_{99-miss gostrey} bones . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Feel [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} CAN do it ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Feel that [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} believes [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} can . It may come to the same thing ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} would n't , however , have this . " Nothing for [you]_82-strether will ever come to the same thing as anything else . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} And [she]_{99-miss gostrey} understood what [she]_{99-miss gostrey} meant , it seemed , sufficiently to go straight on . " [You]_82-strether say that if [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} does break [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} 'll come in for things at [home]_2874-home ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Quite positively . [He]_{3025-your young friend in paris} 'll come in for a particular chance - a chance that [any properly constituted young man]_{3029-any properly constituted young man} would jump at . The business has so developed that an opening scarcely apparent three years ago , but which [[his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} father]_{616-his father} 's will took account of as in certain conditions possible and which , under that will , attaches to [Chad]_111-chad 's availing [himself]_111-chad of it a large contingent advantage - this opening , the conditions having come about , now simply awaits [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} . [[His]_{3025-your young friend in paris} mother]_{3001-his mother} has kept it for [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} , holding out against strong pressure , till the last possible moment . It requires , naturally , as it carries with it a handsome ' part , ' a large share in profits , [his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} being on the spot and making a big effort for a big result . That 's what [I]_679-she mean by [his]_{3025-your young friend in paris} chance . If [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} misses it [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} comes in , as [you]_679-she say , for nothing . And to see that [he]_{3025-your young friend in paris} does n't miss it is , in a word , what [I]_679-she 've come out for . "_[679-she] [She]_679-she let it all sink in . " What [you]_82-strether 've come out for then is simply to render [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} an immense service . "_[679-she] Well , [poor Strether]_82-strether was willing to take it so . " Ah if [you]_82-strether like . "_{[82-strether]} " [He]_{3025-your young friend in paris} stands , as [they]_3032-they say , if [you]_82-strether succeed with [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} , to gain - "_[679-she] " Oh a lot of advantages . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had them clearly at [his]_82-strether fingers ' ends . " By which [you]_82-strether mean of course a lot of money . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , not only . [I]_679-she 'm acting with a sense for [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} of other things too . Consideration and comfort and security - the general safety of being anchored by a strong chain . [He]_{3025-your young friend in paris} wants , as [I]_679-she see [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} , to be protected . Protected [I]_679-she mean from life . "_[679-she] " Ah voila ! "_[679-she] - [her]_679-she thought fitted with a click . " From life . What [you]_82-strether REALLY want to get [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} [home]_2874-home for is to marry [him]_{3025-your young friend in paris} . "_[679-she] " Well , that 's about the size of it . "_[679-she] " Of course , "_[679-she] [she]_679-she said , " it 's rudimentary . But to any one in particular ? "_[679-she] [He]_82-strether smiled at this , looking a little more conscious . " [You]_679-she get everything out . "_{[82-strether]} For a moment again [their]_680-their eyes met . " [You]_679-she put everything in ! "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether acknowledged the tribute by telling [her]_679-she . " To [Mamie Pocock]_100-mamie . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_679-she wondered ; then gravely , even exquisitely , as if to make the oddity also fit : " [[His]_82-strether own niece]_{3034-his own niece} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [you]_679-she must [yourself]_679-she find a name for [the relation]_{3035-the relation} . [[His]_82-strether brother - in - law 's sister]_{3036-his brother - in - law 's sister} . [[Mrs. Jim]_{116-mrs. jim} 's sister - in - law]_{3037-mrs. jim 's sister - in - law} . "_[679-she] It seemed to have on [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} a certain hardening effect . " And who in [the world]_{2804-the world} ['s Mrs. Jim]_{116-mrs. jim} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [[Chad]_111-chad 's sister]_{3039-chad 's sister} - who was [Sarah Newsome]_117-sally . [She]_{3039-chad 's sister} 's married - did n't [I]_82-strether mention it ? - to [Jim Pocock]_118-jim . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah yes , "_[679-she] [she]_679-she tacitly replied ; but [he]_681-he had mentioned things - ! Then , however , with all the sound it could have , " Who in [the world]_{2804-the world} 's [Jim Pocock]_118-jim ? "_[679-she] [she]_679-she asked . " Why [[Sally]_117-sally 's husband]_{3041-sally 's husband} . That 's the only way [we]_3042-we distinguish [people]_2824-people at [Woollett]_87-woollett , "_[681-he] [he]_681-he good - humoredly explained . " And is it a great distinction - being [[Sally]_117-sally 's husband]_{3041-sally 's husband} ? "_[681-he] [He]_681-he considered . " [I]_681-he think there can be scarcely a greater - unless it may become one , in the future , to be [[Chad]_111-chad 's wife]_{3045-chad 's wife} . "_[681-he] " Then how do [they]_2824-people distinguish [YOU]_681-he ? "_[679-she] " [They]_2824-people DON'T - except , as [I]_681-he 've told [you]_679-she , by the green cover . "_[681-he] Once more [their]_682-we eyes met on it , and [she]_679-she held [him]_681-he an instant . " The green cover wo n't - nor will ANY cover - avail [you]_679-she with [ME]_679-she . [You]_679-she 're of a depth of duplicity ! "_[679-she] Still , [she]_679-she could in [her]_679-she own large grasp of the real condone it . " Is [Mamie]_100-mamie a great parti ? "_[679-she] " Oh the greatest [we]_682-we have - [[our]_682-we prettiest brightest girl]_{3046-our prettiest brightest girl} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} seemed to fix [the poor child]_{683-the poor child} . " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} know what [they]_2824-people CAN be . And with money ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Not perhaps with a great deal of that - but with so much of everything else that [we]_682-we do n't miss it . [We]_682-we DON'T miss money much , [you]_679-she know , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether added , " in general , in [America]_17-america , in [pretty girls]_{3047-pretty girls} . "_{[82-strether]} " No , "_[679-she] [she]_679-she conceded ; " but [I]_679-she know also what [you]_82-strether do sometimes miss . And do [you]_82-strether , "_[679-she] [she]_679-she asked , " [yourself]_82-strether admire [her]_{3047-pretty girls} ? "_[679-she] It was a question , [he]_82-strether indicated , that there might be several ways of taking ; but [he]_82-strether decided after an instant for the humorous . " Have n't [I]_82-strether sufficiently showed [you]_679-she how [I]_82-strether admire [ANY pretty girl]_{3048-any pretty girl} ? "_{[82-strether]} [Her]_679-she interest in [his]_82-strether problem was by this time such that it scarce left [her]_679-she freedom , and [she]_679-she kept close to the facts . " [I]_679-she supposed that at [Woollett]_87-woollett [you]_82-strether wanted [them]_3049-them - what shall [I]_679-she call it ? - blameless . [I]_679-she mean [[your]_82-strether young men]_{3050-your young men} for [[your]_82-strether pretty girls]_{3051-your pretty girls} . "_[679-she] " So did [I]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether confessed . " But [you]_82-strether strike there a curious fact - the fact that [Woollett]_87-woollett too accommodates itself to the spirit of the age and the increasing mildness of manners . Everything changes , and [I]_82-strether hold that [our]_3052-we situation precisely marks a date . [We]_3052-we SHOULD prefer [them]_3049-them blameless , but [we]_3052-we have to make the best of [them]_3049-them as [we]_3052-we find [them]_3049-them . Since the spirit of the age and the increasing mildness send [them]_3049-them so much more to [Paris]_1-paris - "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether 've to take [them]_3049-them back as [they]_3049-them come . When [they]_3049-them DO come . [Bon]_119-bon ! "_{[82-strether]} Once more [she]_684-she embraced it all , but [she]_684-she had a moment of thought . " [Poor Chad]_{120-poor chad} ! "_[684-she] " Ah , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether cheerfully " [Mamie]_100-mamie will save [him]_82-strether ! "_[684-she] [She]_684-she was looking away , still in [her]_684-she vision , and [she]_684-she spoke with impatience and almost as if [he]_82-strether had n't understood [her]_684-she . " [YOU'LL]_82-strether save [him]_82-strether . That 's who 'll save [him]_82-strether . "_[684-she] " Oh but with [Mamie]_100-mamie 's aid . Unless indeed [you]_684-she mean , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added , " that [I]_82-strether shall effect so much more with [yours]_684-she ! "_{[82-strether]} It made [her]_684-she at last again look at [him]_82-strether . " [You]_82-strether 'll do more - as [you]_82-strether 're so much better - than all of [us]_3053-us put together . "_[684-she] " [I]_82-strether think [I]_82-strether 'm only better since [I]_82-strether 've known [YOU]_684-she ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether bravely returned . The depletion of [the place]_{2826-the place} , the shrinkage of [the crowd]_{686-the crowd} and now comparatively quiet withdrawal of its last elements had already brought [them]_687-them nearer the door and put [them]_687-them in relation with [a messenger of whom [he]_82-strether bespoke [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's cab]_{688-a messenger of whom he bespoke miss gostrey 's cab} . But this left [them]_687-them a few minutes more , which [she]_684-she was clearly in no mood not to use . " [You]_684-she 've spoken to [me]_684-she of what - by [your]_684-she success - [Mr. Chad]_111-chad stands to gain . But [you]_684-she 've not spoken to [me]_684-she of what [you]_684-she do . "_[684-she] " Oh [I]_82-strether 've nothing more to gain , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether very simply . [She]_684-she took it as even quite too simple . " [You]_82-strether mean [you]_82-strether 've got it all ' down ' ? [You]_82-strether 've been paid in advance ? "_[684-she] " [Ah]_82-strether do n't talk about payment ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether groaned . Something in the tone of it pulled [her]_684-she up , but as [[their]_687-them messenger]_{689-their messenger} still delayed [she]_684-she had another chance and [she]_684-she put it in another way . " What - by failure - do [you]_82-strether stand to lose ? "_[684-she] [He]_82-strether still , however , would n't have it . " Nothing ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether exclaimed , and on [the messenger]_{690-the messenger} 's at this instant reappearing [he]_82-strether was able to sink the subject in [their]_687-them responsive advance . When , a few steps up [the street]_{356-the street} , under a lamp , [he]_82-strether had put [her]_684-she into [[her]_684-she four - wheeler]_{692-her four - wheeler} and [she]_684-she had asked [him]_82-strether if [the man]_{693-the man} had called for [him]_82-strether no second conveyance , [he]_82-strether replied before the door was closed . " [You]_684-she wo n't take [me]_82-strether with [you]_684-she ? "_{[82-strether]} " Not for [the world]_{2804-the world} . "_[684-she] " Then [I]_82-strether shall walk . "_{[82-strether]} " In the rain ? "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether like the rain , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . " Good - night ! "_{[82-strether]} [She]_684-she kept [him]_82-strether a moment , while [his]_82-strether hand was on the door , by not answering ; after which [she]_684-she answered by repeating [her]_684-she question . " What do [you]_82-strether stand to lose ? "_[684-she] Why the question now affected [him]_82-strether as other [he]_82-strether could n't have said ; [he]_82-strether could only this time meet it otherwise . " Everything . "_[684-she] " So [I]_684-she thought . Then [you]_82-strether shall succeed . And to that end [I]_684-she 'm [yours]_82-strether - "_[684-she] " Ah , [dear lady]_{3055-dear lady} ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether kindly breathed . " Till death ! "_[97-mamie] said [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie . " Good - night . "_[97-mamie] [II Strether]_82-strether called , [his]_82-strether second morning in [Paris]_1-paris , on the bankers of the Rue Scribe to whom [his]_82-strether letter of credit was addressed , and [he]_82-strether made this visit attended by [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , in whose company [he]_82-strether had crossed from [London]_4-london two days before . [They]_694-they had hastened to [the Rue Scribe]_{18-the rue scribe} on the morrow of [their]_694-they arrival , but [Strether]_82-strether had not then found the letters the hope of which prompted this errand . [He]_82-strether had had as yet none at all ; had n't expected them in [London]_4-london , but had counted on several in [Paris]_1-paris , and , disconcerted now , had presently strolled back to [the Boulevard]_{19-the boulevard} with a sense of injury that [he]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether taking for as good a start as any other . It would serve , this spur to [his]_82-strether spirit , [he]_82-strether reflected , as , pausing at the top of [the street]_{356-the street} , [he]_82-strether looked up and down [the great foreign avenue]_{696-the great foreign avenue} , it would serve to begin business with . [His]_82-strether idea was to begin business immediately , and it did much for [him]_82-strether the rest of [his]_82-strether day that the beginning of business awaited [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether did little else till night but ask [himself]_82-strether what [he]_82-strether should do if [he]_82-strether had n't fortunately had so much to do ; but [he]_82-strether put [himself]_82-strether the question in many different situations and connexions . What carried [him]_82-strether hither and yon was an admirable theory that nothing [he]_82-strether could do would n't be in some manner related to what [he]_82-strether fundamentally had on hand , or WOULD be - should [he]_82-strether happen to have a scruple - wasted for it . [He]_82-strether did happen to have a scruple - a scruple about taking no definite step till [he]_82-strether should get letters ; but this reasoning carried it off . A single day to feel [his]_82-strether feet - [he]_82-strether had felt them as yet only at [Chester]_3-chester and in [London]_4-london - was [he]_82-strether could consider , none too much ; and having , as [he]_82-strether had often privately expressed it , [Paris]_1-paris to reckon with , [he]_82-strether threw these hours of freshness consciously into the reckoning . They made it continually greater , but that was what it had best be if it was to be anything at all , and [he]_82-strether gave [himself]_82-strether up till far into the evening , at [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} and on the return , after [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} , along [the bright congested Boulevard]_{699-the bright congested boulevard} , to feeling it grow . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had accompanied [him]_96-waymarsh this time to the play , and [the two men]_{267-the two men} had walked together , as a first stage , from [the Gymnase]_{701-the gymnase} to [the Cafe Riche]_{702-the cafe riche} , into [the crowded " terrace "_{[96-waymarsh]} of which [establishment]_{704-establishment}]_{703-the crowded " terrace " of which establishment} - the night , or rather the morning , for midnight had struck , being bland and populous - [they]_{267-the two men} had wedged [themselves]_{267-the two men} for refreshment . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , as a result of some discussion with [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} , had made a marked virtue of [his]_96-waymarsh having now let [himself]_96-waymarsh go ; and there had been elements of impression in [their]_{267-the two men} half - hour over [their]_{267-the two men} watered beer - glasses that gave [him]_96-waymarsh [his]_96-waymarsh occasion for conveying that [he]_96-waymarsh held this compromise with [his]_96-waymarsh stiffer self to have become extreme . [He]_96-waymarsh conveyed it - for it was still , after all , [[his]_96-waymarsh stiffer self who gloomed out of the glare of the terrace]_{706-his stiffer self who gloomed out of the glare of the terrace} - in solemn silence ; and there was indeed a great deal of critical silence , every way , between [the companions]_{707-the companions} , even till [they]_{267-the two men} gained the Place de l'Opera , as to the character of [their]_{267-the two men} nocturnal progress . This morning there WERE letters - letters which had reached [London]_4-london , apparently all together , the day of [Strether]_82-strether 's journey , and had taken [their]_{267-the two men} time to follow [him]_82-strether ; so that , after a controlled impulse to go into them in [the reception - room of [the bank]_{709-the bank}]_{708-the reception - room of the bank} , which , reminding [him]_96-waymarsh of [the post - office at [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{710-the post - office at woollett} , affected [him]_96-waymarsh as the abutment of [some transatlantic bridge]_{711-some transatlantic bridge} , [he]_96-waymarsh slipped them into the pocket of [his]_96-waymarsh loose grey overcoat with a sense of the felicity of carrying them off . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , who had had letters yesterday , had had them again to - day , and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh suggested in this particular no controlled impulses . The last one [he]_96-waymarsh was at all events likely to be observed to struggle with was clearly that of bringing to a premature close any visit to [the Rue Scribe]_{712-the rue scribe} . [Strether]_82-strether had left [him]_96-waymarsh [there]_311-there yesterday ; [he]_82-strether wanted to see the papers , and [he]_82-strether had spent , by what [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} could make out , a succession of hours with the papers . [He]_82-strether spoke of the establishment , with emphasis , as a post of superior observation ; just as [he]_82-strether spoke generally of [his]_82-strether actual damnable doom as a device for hiding from [him]_82-strether what was going on . [Europe]_6-europe was best described , to [his]_96-waymarsh mind , as an elaborate engine for dissociating the confined American from that indispensable knowledge , and was accordingly only rendered bearable by these occasional stations of relief , traps for the arrest of [wandering western airs]_{715-wandering western airs} . [Strether]_82-strether , on [his]_82-strether side , set [himself]_82-strether to walk again - [he]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether relief in [his]_82-strether pocket ; and indeed , much as [he]_82-strether had desired [his]_82-strether budget , the growth of restlessness might have been marked in [him]_82-strether from the moment [he]_82-strether had assured [himself]_82-strether of the superscription of most of the missives it contained . This restlessness became therefore [his]_82-strether temporary law ; [he]_82-strether knew [he]_82-strether should recognise as soon as see it the best place of all for settling down with [[his]_82-strether chief correspondent]_{716-his chief correspondent} . [He]_82-strether had for the next hour an accidental air of looking for it in the windows of [shops]_2968-shops ; [he]_82-strether came down [the Rue de la Paix]_{718-the rue de la paix} in the sun and , passing across [the Tuileries]_{719-the tuileries} and [the river]_{720-the river} , indulged more than once - as if on finding [himself]_82-strether determined - in a sudden pause before the book - stalls of [the opposite quay]_{721-the opposite quay} . In [the garden of the Tuileries]_{722-the garden of the tuileries} [he]_82-strether had lingered , on two or three spots , to look ; it was as if the wonderful [Paris]_1-paris spring had stayed [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether roamed . The prompt [Paris]_1-paris morning struck its cheerful notes - in a soft breeze and a sprinkled smell , in the light flit , over [the garden - floor]_{723-the garden - floor} , of [bareheaded girls with the buckled strap of oblong boxes]_{724-bareheaded girls with the buckled strap of oblong boxes} , in the type of ancient thrifty persons basking betimes where terrace - walls were warm , in the blue - frocked brass - labelled officialism of [humble rakers and scrapers]_{725-humble rakers and scrapers} , in the deep references of [a straight - pacing priest]_{726-a straight - pacing priest} or the sharp ones of [a white - gaitered red - legged soldier]_{727-a white - gaitered red - legged soldier} . [He]_82-strether watched little brisk figures , figures whose movement was as the tick of the great [Paris]_1-paris clock , take [their]_728-their smooth diagonal from point to point ; the air had a taste as of something mixed with art , something that presented nature as [a white - capped master - chef]_{729-a white - capped master - chef} . [The palace]_{730-the palace} was gone , [Strether]_82-strether remembered [the palace]_{730-the palace} ; and when [he]_82-strether gazed into the irremediable void of [[its]_{730-the palace} site]_{732-its site} the historic sense in [him]_82-strether might have been freely at play - the play under which in [Paris]_1-paris indeed it so often winces like a touched nerve . [He]_82-strether filled out spaces with dim symbols of scenes ; [he]_82-strether caught the gleam of white statues at the base of which , with [his]_82-strether letters out , [he]_82-strether could tilt back a straw - bottomed chair . But [his]_82-strether drift was , for reasons , to the other side , and it floated [him]_82-strether unspent up the [Rue de Seine]_{20-rue de seine} and as far as [the Luxembourg]_{21-the luxembourg} . In [the Luxembourg Gardens]_{733-the luxembourg gardens} [he]_82-strether pulled up ; here at last [he]_82-strether found [[his]_82-strether nook]_{734-his nook} , and here , on a penny chair from which [terraces]_735-terraces , [alleys]_736-alleys , vistas , fountains , little trees in green tubs , [little women in white caps]_{737-little women in white caps} and [shrill little girls at play all sunnily " composed "_{[738-shrill little girls at play all sunnily " composed " together]} together]_{738-shrill little girls at play all sunnily " composed " together} , [he]_82-strether passed an hour in which the cup of [his]_82-strether impressions seemed truly to overflow . But a week had elapsed since [he]_82-strether quitted [the ship]_{271-the ship} , and there were more things in [his]_82-strether mind than so few days could account for . More than once , during the time , [he]_82-strether had regarded [himself]_82-strether as admonished ; but the admonition this morning was formidably sharp . It took as it had n't done yet the form of a question - the question of what [he]_82-strether was doing with such an extraordinary sense of escape . This sense was sharpest after [he]_82-strether had read [his]_82-strether letters , but that was also precisely why the question pressed . Four of the letters were from [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} and none of them short ; [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had lost no time , had followed on [his]_82-strether heels while [he]_82-strether moved , so expressing [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} that [he]_82-strether now could measure the probable frequency with which [he]_82-strether should hear . [They]_740-they would arrive , it would seem , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} communications , at the rate of several a week ; [he]_82-strether should be able to count , it might even prove , on more than one by each mail . If [he]_82-strether had begun yesterday with a small grievance [he]_82-strether had therefore an opportunity to begin to - day with its opposite . [He]_82-strether read the letters successively and slowly , putting others back into [his]_82-strether pocket but keeping these for a long time afterwards gathered in [his]_82-strether lap . [He]_82-strether held them there , lost in thought , as if to prolong the presence of what [they]_740-they gave [him]_82-strether ; or as if at the least to assure [them]_740-they [their]_740-they part in the constitution of some lucidity . [[His]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} wrote admirably , and [her]_{259-his friend} tone was even more in [her]_{259-his friend} style than in [her]_{259-his friend} voice - [he]_82-strether might almost , for the hour , have had to come this distance to get its full carrying quality ; yet the plentitude of [his]_82-strether consciousness of difference consorted perfectly with the deepened intensity of the connexion . It was the difference , the difference of being just where [he]_82-strether was and AS [he]_82-strether was , that formed the escape - this difference was so much greater than [he]_82-strether had dreamed it would be ; and what [he]_82-strether finally sat there turning over was the strange logic of [his]_82-strether finding [himself]_82-strether so free . [He]_82-strether felt it in a manner [his]_82-strether duty to think out [his]_82-strether state , to approve the process , and when [he]_82-strether came in fact to trace the steps and add up the items they sufficiently accounted for the sum . [He]_82-strether had never expected - that was the truth of it - again to find [himself]_82-strether young , and all the years and other things it had taken to make [him]_82-strether so were exactly [his]_82-strether present arithmetic . [He]_82-strether had to make sure of them to put [his]_82-strether scruple to rest . It all sprang at bottom from the beauty of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's desire that [he]_82-strether should be worried with nothing that was not of the essence of [his]_82-strether task ; by insisting that [he]_82-strether should thoroughly intermit and break [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had so provided for [his]_82-strether freedom that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} would , as it were , have only [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} to thank . [Strether]_82-strether could not at this point indeed have completed [his]_82-strether thought by the image of what [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} might have to thank [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} FOR : the image , at best , of [his]_82-strether own likeness - poor [Lambert Strether]_82-strether washed up on [the sunny strand]_{742-the sunny strand} by the waves of a single day , poor [Lambert Strether]_82-strether thankful for breathing - time and stiffening [himself]_82-strether while [he]_82-strether gasped . There [he]_82-strether was , and with nothing in [his]_82-strether aspect or [his]_82-strether posture to scandalise : it was only true that if [he]_82-strether had seen [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} coming [he]_82-strether would instinctively have jumped up to walk away a little . [He]_82-strether would have come round and back to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} bravely , but [he]_82-strether would have had first to pull [himself]_82-strether together . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} abounded in news of the situation at [home]_2874-home , proved to [him]_82-strether how perfectly [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} was arranging for [his]_82-strether absence , told [him]_82-strether who would take up this and who take up that exactly where [he]_82-strether had left it , gave [him]_82-strether in fact chapter and verse for the moral that nothing would suffer . It filled for [him]_82-strether , this tone of [hers]_{88-mrs. newsome} , all the air ; yet it struck [him]_82-strether at the same time as the hum of vain things . This latter effect was what [he]_82-strether tried to justify - and with the success that , grave though the appearance , [he]_82-strether at last lighted on a form that was happy . [He]_82-strether arrived at it by the inevitable recognition of [his]_82-strether having been a fortnight before [one of the weariest of [men]_745-men]_{744-one of the weariest of men} . If ever [a man]_{572-a man} had come off tired [Lambert Strether]_82-strether was [that man]_{747-that man} ; and had n't it been distinctly on the ground of [his]_82-strether fatigue that [[his]_82-strether wonderful friend at [home]_2874-home]_{748-his wonderful friend at home} had so felt for [him]_82-strether and so contrived ? It seemed to [him]_82-strether somehow at these instants that , could [he]_82-strether only maintain with sufficient firmness [his]_82-strether grasp of that truth , it might become in a manner [his]_82-strether compass and [his]_82-strether helm . What [he]_82-strether wanted most was some idea that would simplify , and nothing would do this so much as the fact that [he]_82-strether was done for and finished . If it had been in such a light that [he]_82-strether had just detected in [his]_82-strether cup the dregs of youth , that was a mere flaw of the surface of [his]_82-strether scheme . [He]_82-strether was so distinctly fagged - out that it must serve precisely as [his]_82-strether convenience , and if [he]_82-strether could but consistently be good for little enough [he]_82-strether might do everything [he]_82-strether wanted . Everything [he]_82-strether wanted was comprised moreover in a single boon - the common unattainable art of taking things as they came . [He]_82-strether appeared to [himself]_82-strether to have given [his]_82-strether best years to an active appreciation of the way [they]_750-they did n't come ; but perhaps - as [they]_750-they would seemingly here be things quite other - this long ache might at last drop to rest . [He]_82-strether could easily see that from the moment [he]_82-strether should accept the notion of [his]_82-strether foredoomed collapse the last thing [he]_82-strether would lack would be reasons and memories . Oh if [he]_82-strether SHOULD do the sum no slate would hold the figures ! The fact that [he]_82-strether had failed , as [he]_82-strether considered , in everything , in each relation and in half a dozen trades , as [he]_82-strether liked luxuriously to put it , might have made , might still make , for an empty present ; but it stood solidly for a crowded past . It had not been , so much achievement missed , a light yoke nor a short load . It was at present as if the backward picture had hung there , the long crooked course , grey in the shadow of [his]_82-strether solitude . It had been a dreadful cheerful sociable solitude , a solitude of life or choice , of community ; but though there had been [people]_2824-people enough all round [it]_752-it there had been but three or four persons IN [it]_752-it . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was one of these , and the fact struck [him]_82-strether just now as marking the record . [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} was another , and [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had of a sudden shown signs of becoming a third . Beyond , behind [them]_753-them was the pale figure of [his]_82-strether real youth , which held against its breast the two presences paler than itself - [the young wife [he]_82-strether had early lost]_{754-the young wife he had early lost} and [the young son [he]_82-strether had stupidly sacrificed]_{755-the young son he had stupidly sacrificed} . [He]_82-strether had again and again made out for [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether might have kept [[his]_82-strether little boy]_{756-his little boy} , [[his]_82-strether little dull boy who had died at school of rapid diphtheria , if [he]_82-strether had not in those years so insanely given [himself]_82-strether to merely missing [the mother]_{758-the mother}]_{757-his little dull boy who had died at school of rapid diphtheria , if he had not in those years so insanely given himself to merely missing the mother} . It was the soreness of [his]_82-strether remorse that [the child]_{759-the child} had in all likelihood not really been dull - had been dull , as [he]_{759-the child} had been banished and neglected , mainly because [the father]_{760-the father} had been unwittingly selfish . This was doubtless but the secret habit of sorrow , which had slowly given way to time ; yet there remained an ache sharp enough to make the spirit , at the sight now and again of [some fair young man just growing up]_{761-some fair young man just growing up} , wince with the thought of an opportunity lost . Had ever [a man]_{572-a man} , [he]_{572-a man} had finally fallen into the way of asking [himself]_{572-a man} , lost so much and even done so much for so little ? There had been particular reasons why all yesterday , beyond other days , [he]_82-strether should have had in one ear this cold enquiry . [His]_82-strether name on the green cover , where [he]_82-strether had put it for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , expressed [him]_82-strether doubtless just enough to make [the world]_{2804-the world} - [the world]_{2804-the world} as distinguished , both for more and for less , from [Woollett]_87-woollett - ask who [he]_82-strether was . [He]_82-strether had incurred the ridicule of having to have [his]_82-strether explanation explained . [He]_82-strether was [Lambert Strether]_82-strether because [he]_82-strether was on the cover , whereas it should have been , for anything like glory , that [he]_82-strether was on the cover because [he]_82-strether was [Lambert Strether]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether would have done anything for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , have been still more ridiculous - as [he]_82-strether might , for that matter , have occasion to be yet ; which came to saying that this acceptance of fate was all [he]_82-strether had to show at fifty - five . [He]_82-strether judged the quantity as small because it WAS small , and all the more egregiously since it could n't , as [he]_82-strether saw the case , so much as thinkably have been larger . [He]_82-strether had n't had the gift of making the most of what [he]_82-strether tried , and if [he]_82-strether had tried and tried again - [no one]_{765-no one} but [himself]_82-strether knew how often - it appeared to have been that [he]_82-strether might demonstrate what else , in default of that , COULD be made . Old ghosts of experiments came back to [him]_82-strether , old drudgeries and delusions , and disgusts , old recoveries with [their]_766-their relapses , old fevers with [their]_766-their chills , broken moments of good faith , others of still better doubt ; adventures , for the most part , of the sort qualified as lessons . The special spring that had constantly played for [him]_82-strether the day before was the recognition - frequent enough to surprise [him]_82-strether - of the promises to [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether had after [his]_82-strether other visit never kept . The reminiscence to - day most quickened for [him]_82-strether was that of the vow taken in the course of the pilgrimage that , newly - married , with the War just over , and helplessly young in spite of it , [he]_82-strether had recklessly made with the creature who was so much younger still . It had been a bold dash , for which [they]_767-they had taken money set apart for necessities , but kept sacred at the moment in a hundred ways , and in none more so than by this private pledge of [his]_82-strether own to treat the occasion as a relation formed with [the higher culture]_{768-the higher culture} and see that , as [they]_767-they said at [Woollett]_87-woollett , it should bear a good harvest . [He]_82-strether had believed , sailing [home]_2874-home again , that [he]_82-strether had gained something great , and [his]_82-strether theory - with an elaborate innocent plan of reading , digesting , coming back even , every few years - had then been to preserve , cherish and extend it . As such plans as these had come to nothing , however , in respect to acquisitions still more precious , it was doubtless little enough of a marvel that [he]_82-strether should have lost account of that handful of seed . Buried for long years in dark corners at any rate these few germs had sprouted again under forty - eight hours of [Paris]_1-paris . The process of yesterday had really been the process of feeling the general stirred life of connexions long since individually dropped . [Strether]_82-strether had become acquainted even on [this ground]_{770-this ground} with short gusts of speculation - sudden flights of fancy in [Louvre galleries]_{771-louvre galleries} , hungry gazes through clear plates behind which lemon - coloured volumes were as fresh as fruit on the tree . There were instants at which [he]_82-strether could ask whether , since there had been fundamentally so little question of [his]_82-strether keeping anything , the fate after all decreed for [him]_82-strether had n't been only to BE kept . Kept for something , in that event , that [he]_82-strether did n't pretend , did n't possibly dare as yet to divine ; something that made [him]_82-strether hover and wonder and laugh and sigh , made [him]_82-strether advance and retreat , feeling half ashamed of [his]_82-strether impulse to plunge and more than half afraid of [his]_82-strether impulse to wait . [He]_82-strether remembered for instance how [he]_82-strether had gone back in the sixties with lemon - coloured volumes in general on the brain as well as with a dozen - selected for [[his]_82-strether wife]_{458-his wife} too - in [his]_82-strether trunk ; and nothing had at the moment shown more confidence than this invocation of the finer taste . [They]_773-they were still somewhere at [home]_2874-home , the dozen - stale and soiled and never sent to the binder ; but what had become of the sharp initiation they represented ? [They]_773-they represented now the mere sallow paint on the door of the temple of taste that [he]_82-strether had dreamed of raising up - a structure [he]_82-strether had practically never carried further . [Strether]_82-strether 's present highest flights were perhaps those in which this particular lapse figured to [him]_82-strether as a symbol , a symbol of [his]_82-strether long grind and [his]_82-strether want of odd moments , [his]_82-strether want moreover of money , of opportunity , of positive dignity . That the memory of the vow of [his]_82-strether youth should , in order to throb again , have had to wait for this last , as [he]_82-strether felt it , of all [his]_82-strether accidents - that was surely proof enough of how [his]_82-strether conscience had been encumbered . If any further proof were needed it would have been to be found in the fact that , as [he]_82-strether perfectly now saw , [he]_82-strether had ceased even to measure [his]_82-strether meagreness , a meagreness that sprawled , in this retrospect , vague and comprehensive , stretching back like [some unmapped Hinterland from [a rough coast - settlement]_{776-a rough coast - settlement}]_{775-some unmapped hinterland from a rough coast - settlement} . [His]_82-strether conscience had been amusing itself for the forty - eight hours by forbidding [him]_82-strether the purchase of a book ; [he]_82-strether held off from that , held off from everything ; from the moment [he]_82-strether did n't yet call on [Chad]_111-chad [he]_82-strether would n't for [the world]_{2804-the world} have taken any other step . On this evidence , however , of the way they actually affected [him]_82-strether [he]_82-strether glared at the lemon - coloured covers in confession of the subconsciousness that , all the same , in the great desert of the years , [he]_82-strether must have had of them . The green covers at [home]_2874-home comprised , by the law of their purpose , no tribute to letters ; it was of a mere rich kernel of economics , politics , ethics that , glazed and , as [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} maintained rather against [HIS]_82-strether view , pre - eminently pleasant to touch , they formed the specious shell . Without therefore any needed instinctive knowledge of what was coming out , in [Paris]_1-paris , on [the bright highway]_{779-the bright highway} , [he]_82-strether struck [himself]_82-strether at present as having more than once flushed with a suspicion : [he]_82-strether could n't otherwise at present be feeling so many fears confirmed . There were " movements "_[780-they] [he]_82-strether was too late for : were n't [they]_780-they , with the fun of [them]_780-they , already spent ? There were sequences [he]_82-strether had missed and great gaps in the procession : [he]_82-strether might have been watching it all recede in a golden cloud of dust . If the playhouse was n't closed [his]_82-strether seat had at least fallen to [somebody else]_{781-somebody else} . [He]_82-strether had had an uneasy feeling the night before that if [he]_82-strether was at [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} at all - though [he]_82-strether indeed justified [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} , in the specific sense , and with a grotesqueness to which [his]_82-strether imagination did all honour , as something [he]_82-strether owed [poor Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - [he]_82-strether should have been [there]_311-there with , and as might have been said , FOR [Chad]_111-chad . This suggested the question of whether [he]_82-strether could properly have taken [him]_82-strether to such a play , and what effect - it was a point that suddenly rose - [his]_82-strether peculiar responsibility might be held in general to have on [his]_82-strether choice of entertainment . It had literally been present to [him]_82-strether at [the Gymnase]_{701-the gymnase} - where one was held moreover comparatively safe - that having [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} at [his]_82-strether side would have been an odd feature of the work of redemption ; and this quite in spite of the fact that the picture presented might well , confronted with [Chad]_111-chad 's own private stage , have seemed the pattern of propriety . [He]_82-strether clearly had n't come out in the name of propriety but to visit unattended equivocal performances ; yet still less had [he]_82-strether done so to undermine [his]_82-strether authority by sharing them with [the graceless youth]_{787-the graceless youth} . Was [he]_82-strether to renounce all amusement for the sweet sake of that authority ? and WOULD such renouncement give [him]_82-strether for [Chad]_111-chad a moral glamour ? The little problem bristled the more by reason of poor [Strether]_82-strether 's fairly open sense of the irony of things . Were there then sides on which [his]_82-strether predicament threatened to look rather droll to [him]_82-strether ? Should [he]_82-strether have to pretend to believe - either to [himself]_82-strether or [the wretched boy]_{788-the wretched boy} - that there was anything that could make the latter worse ? Was n't some such pretence on the other hand involved in the assumption of possible processes that would make [him]_82-strether better ? [His]_82-strether greatest uneasiness seemed to peep at [him]_82-strether out of the imminent impression that almost any acceptance of [Paris]_1-paris might give [one]_2797-one 's authority away . It hung before [him]_82-strether this morning , the vast bright Babylon , like some huge iridescent object , a jewel brilliant and hard , in which parts were not to be discriminated nor differences comfortably marked . It twinkled and trembled and melted together , and what seemed all surface one moment seemed all depth the next . It was a place of which , unmistakeably , [Chad]_111-chad was fond ; wherefore if [he]_111-chad , [Strether]_82-strether , should like it too much , what on [earth]_790-earth , with such a bond , would become of either of [them]_791-them ? It all depended of course - which was a gleam of light - on how the " too much "_{[82-strether]} was measured ; though indeed [[our]_792-our friend]_{235-our friend} fairly felt , while [he]_{235-our friend} prolonged the meditation [I]_0-i describe , that for [himself]_{235-our friend} even already a certain measure had been reached . It will have been sufficiently seen that [he]_{235-our friend} was not [a man]_{572-a man} to neglect any good chance for reflexion . Was it at all possible for instance to like [Paris]_1-paris enough without liking it too much ? [He]_82-strether luckily however had n't promised [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} not to like it at all . [He]_82-strether was ready to recognise at this stage that such an engagement WOULD have tied [his]_82-strether hands . [The Luxembourg Gardens]_{733-the luxembourg gardens} were incontestably just so adorable at this hour by reason - in addition to their intrinsic charm - of [his]_82-strether not having taken it . The only engagement [he]_82-strether had taken , when [he]_82-strether looked the thing in the face , was to do what [he]_82-strether reasonably could . It upset [him]_82-strether a little none the less and after a while to find [himself]_82-strether at last remembering on what current of association [he]_82-strether had been floated so far . Old imaginations of [the Latin Quarter]_{796-the latin quarter} had played their part for [him]_82-strether , and [he]_82-strether had duly recalled its having been with this scene of rather ominous legend that , like [so many young men in fiction as well as in fact]_{797-so many young men in fiction as well as in fact} , [Chad]_111-chad had begun . [He]_82-strether was now quite out of [it]_798-it , with [[his]_82-strether " home]_{3056-his " home} , "_{[82-strether]} as [Strether]_82-strether figured [the place]_{2826-the place} , in [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} ; which was perhaps why , repairing , not to fail of justice either , to [the elder neighbourhood]_{801-the elder neighbourhood} , [[our]_802-our friend]_{235-our friend} had felt [he]_82-strether could allow for the element of the usual , the immemorial , without courting perturbation . [He]_82-strether was not at least in danger of seeing [the youth]_{804-the youth} and [the particular Person]_{805-the particular person} flaunt by together ; and yet [he]_82-strether was in the very air of which - just to feel what the early natural note must have been - [he]_82-strether wished most to take counsel . It became at once vivid to [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether had originally had , for a few days , an almost envious vision of [the boy]_{656-the boy} 's romantic privilege . [Melancholy Murger]_{122-melancholy murger} , with [Francine]_123-francine and [Musette]_124-musette and [Rodolphe]_125-rodolphe , at [home]_2874-home , in the company of the tattered , one - if [he]_82-strether not in [his]_82-strether single self two or three - of the unbound , the paper - covered dozen on the shelf ; and when [Chad]_111-chad had written , five years ago , after a sojourn then already prolonged to six months , that [he]_111-chad had decided to go in for economy and the real thing , [Strether]_82-strether 's fancy had quite fondly accompanied [him]_111-chad in this migration , which was to convey [him]_111-chad , as [they]_808-they somewhat confusedly learned at [Woollett]_87-woollett , across [the bridges]_{809-the bridges} and up [the Montagne]_{22-the montagne} [Sainte - Genevieve]_{23-sainte - genevieve} . This was [the region]_{810-the region} - [Chad]_111-chad had been quite distinct about [it]_{810-the region} - in which the best French , and many other things , were to be learned at least cost , and in which all sorts of [clever fellows]_{811-clever fellows} , [compatriots there for a purpose]_{812-compatriots there for a purpose} , formed an awfully pleasant set . [The clever fellows]_{813-the clever fellows} , [the friendly countrymen]_{814-the friendly countrymen} were mainly [young painters]_{815-young painters} , [sculptors]_{816-sculptors} , [architects]_{817-architects} , [medical students]_{818-medical students} ; but [they]_{814-the friendly countrymen} were , [Chad]_111-chad sagely opined , a much more profitable lot to be with - even on the footing of not being quite [one of [them]_{814-the friendly countrymen}]_{819-one of them} - than the " terrible toughs "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether remembered the edifying discrimination of [the American bars and banks roundabout [the Opera]_{821-the opera}]_{820-the american bars and banks roundabout the opera} . [Chad]_111-chad had thrown out , in the communications following this one - for at that time [he]_111-chad did once in a while communicate - that [several members of [a band of earnest workers under one of [the great artists]_{824-the great artists}]_{823-a band of earnest workers under one of the great artists}]_{822-several members of a band of earnest workers under one of the great artists} had taken [him]_111-chad right in , making [him]_111-chad dine every night , almost for nothing , at [[their]_{822-several members of a band of earnest workers under one of the great artists} place]_{825-their place} , and even pressing [him]_111-chad not to neglect the hypothesis of there being as much " in [him]_111-chad "_[111-chad] as in any of [them]_{822-several members of a band of earnest workers under one of the great artists} . There had been literally a moment at which it appeared there might be something in [him]_111-chad ; there had been at any rate a moment at which [he]_111-chad had written that [he]_111-chad did n't know but what a month or two more might see [him]_111-chad enrolled in [some atelier]_{826-some atelier} . The season had been one at which [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} was moved to gratitude for small mercies ; it had broken on [them]_{822-several members of a band of earnest workers under one of the great artists} all as a blessing that [their]_{822-several members of a band of earnest workers under one of the great artists} absentee HAD perhaps a conscience - that [he]_111-chad was sated in fine with idleness , was ambitious of variety . The exhibition was doubtless as yet not brilliant , but [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , even by that time much enlisted and immersed , had determined , on the part of [the two ladies]_{614-the two ladies} , a temperate approval and in fact , as [he]_82-strether now recollected , a certain austere enthusiasm . But the very next thing that happened had been a dark drop of the curtain . [The son and brother]_{828-the son and brother} had not browsed long on [the Montagne]_{22-the montagne} [Sainte - Genevieve]_{23-sainte - genevieve} - [his]_82-strether effective little use of the name of which , like [his]_82-strether allusion to the best French , appeared to have been but one of the notes of [his]_82-strether rough cunning . The light refreshment of these vain appearances had not accordingly carried any of them very far . On the other hand it had gained [Chad]_111-chad time ; it had given [him]_111-chad a chance , unchecked , to strike [his]_111-chad roots , had paved the way for initiations more direct and more deep . It was [Strether]_82-strether 's belief that [he]_82-strether had been comparatively innocent before this first migration , and even that the first effects of the migration would not have been , without some particular bad accident , to have been deplored . There had been three months - [he]_82-strether had sufficiently figured it out - in which [Chad]_111-chad had wanted to try . [He]_82-strether HAD tried , though not very hard - [he]_82-strether had had [his]_82-strether little hour of good faith . The weakness of this principle in [him]_82-strether was that almost any accident attestedly bad enough was stronger . Such had at any rate markedly been the case for the precipitation of a special series of impressions . [They]_{828-the son and brother} had proved , successively , these impressions - all of [Musette]_124-musette and [Francine]_123-francine , but [Musette]_124-musette and [Francine]_123-francine vulgarised by the larger evolution of the type - irresistibly sharp : [he]_82-strether had " taken up , "_{[82-strether]} by what was at the time to be shrinkingly gathered , as it was scantly mentioned , with [one ferociously " interested "_{[829-one ferociously " interested " little person]} little person]_{829-one ferociously " interested " little person} after another . [Strether]_82-strether had read somewhere of a Latin motto , a description of the hours , observed on a clock by [a traveller in [Spain]_24-spain]_{830-a traveller in spain} ; and [he]_82-strether had been led to apply it in thought to [Chad]_111-chad 's number one , number two , number three . Omnes vulnerant , ultima necat - [they]_831-they had all morally wounded , [the last]_{832-the last} had morally killed . The last had been longest in possession - in possession , that is , of whatever was left of [the poor boy]_{833-the poor boy} 's finer mortality . And it had n't been [she]_834-she , it had been one of [[her]_834-she early predecessors]_{835-her early predecessors} , who had determined [the second migration , the expensive return and relapse , the exchange again , as was fairly to be presumed , of the vaunted best French for some special variety of the worst]_{836-the second migration , the expensive return and relapse , the exchange again , as was fairly to be presumed , of the vaunted best french for some special variety of the worst} . [He]_82-strether pulled [himself]_82-strether then at last together for [his]_82-strether own progress back ; not with the feeling that [he]_82-strether had taken [his]_82-strether walk in vain . [He]_82-strether prolonged it a little , in [the immediate neighbourhood]_{837-the immediate neighbourhood} , after [he]_82-strether had quitted [his]_82-strether chair ; and the upshot of the whole morning for [him]_82-strether was that [his]_82-strether campaign had begun . [He]_82-strether had wanted to put [himself]_82-strether in relation , and [he]_82-strether would be hanged if [he]_82-strether were NOT in relation . [He]_82-strether was that at no moment so much as while , under [the old arches of [the Odeon]_{25-the odeon}]_{838-the old arches of the odeon} , [he]_82-strether lingered before the charming open - air array of literature classic and casual . [He]_82-strether found the effect of tone and tint , in the long charged tables and shelves , delicate and appetising ; the impression - substituting one kind of low - priced consommation for another - might have been that of one of the pleasant cafes that overlapped , under an awning , to the pavement ; but [he]_82-strether edged along , grazing the tables , with [his]_82-strether hands firmly behind [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether was n't there to dip , to consume - [he]_82-strether was there to reconstruct . [He]_82-strether was n't there for [his]_82-strether own profit - not , that is , the direct ; [he]_82-strether was there on some chance of feeling the brush of the wing of [the stray spirit of youth]_{839-the stray spirit of youth} . [He]_82-strether felt it in fact , [he]_82-strether had it beside [him]_82-strether ; the old arcade indeed , as [his]_82-strether inner sense listened , gave out the faint sound , as from far off , of the wild waving of wings . They were folded now over the breasts of buried generations ; but a flutter or two lived again in the turned page of shock - headed slouch - hatted [loiterers whose young intensity of type , in the direction of pale acuteness]_{840-loiterers whose young intensity of type , in the direction of pale acuteness} , deepened [his]_82-strether vision , and even [his]_82-strether appreciation , of racial differences , and whose manipulation of the uncut volume was too often , however , but a listening at closed doors . [He]_82-strether reconstructed a possible groping [Chad]_111-chad of three or four years before , [a Chad who had , after all , simply - for that was the only way to see it]_111-chad - been too vulgar for [his]_82-strether privilege . Surely it WAS a privilege to have been young and happy just there . Well , the best thing [Strether]_82-strether knew of [him]_82-strether was that [he]_82-strether had had such a dream . But [his]_82-strether own actual business half an hour later was with [a third floor on [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{136-the boulevard malesherbes}]_{841-a third floor on the boulevard malesherbes} - so much as that was definite ; and the fact of the enjoyment by the third - floor windows of a continuous balcony , to which [he]_82-strether was helped by this knowledge , had perhaps something to do with [his]_82-strether lingering for five minutes on the opposite side of [the street]_{356-the street} . There were points as to which [he]_82-strether had quite made up [his]_82-strether mind , and one of these bore precisely on the wisdom of the abruptness to which events had finally committed [him]_82-strether , a policy that [he]_82-strether was pleased to find not at all shaken as [he]_82-strether now looked at [his]_82-strether watch and wondered . [He]_82-strether HAD announced [himself]_82-strether - six months before ; had written out at least that [Chad]_111-chad was n't to be surprised should [he]_82-strether see [him]_111-chad some day turn up . [Chad]_111-chad had thereupon , in a few words of rather carefully colourless answer , offered [him]_82-strether a general welcome ; and [Strether]_82-strether , ruefully reflecting that [he]_82-strether might have understood the warning as a hint to hospitality , a bid for an invitation , had fallen back upon silence as the corrective most to [his]_82-strether own taste . [He]_82-strether had asked [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} moreover not to announce [him]_82-strether again ; [he]_82-strether had so distinct an opinion on [his]_82-strether attacking [his]_82-strether job , should [he]_82-strether attack it at all , in [his]_82-strether own way . Not the least of [this lady]_{327-this lady} 's high merits for [him]_82-strether was that [he]_82-strether could absolutely rest on [her]_{327-this lady} word . [She]_{327-this lady} was [the only woman [he]_82-strether had known]_{844-the only woman he had known} , even at [Woollett]_87-woollett , as to whom [his]_82-strether conviction was positive that to lie was beyond [her]_{327-this lady} art . [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah , for instance , [[her]_{327-this lady} own daughter]_{845-her own daughter} , though with social ideals , as [they]_846-they said , in some respects different - [Sarah]_126-sarah who WAS , in [her]_126-sarah way , aesthetic , had never refused to human commerce that mitigation of rigour ; there were occasions when [he]_82-strether had distinctly seen [her]_126-sarah apply it . Since , accordingly , at all events , [he]_82-strether had had it from [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had , at whatever cost to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} more strenuous view , conformed , in the matter of preparing [Chad]_111-chad , wholly to [his]_82-strether restrictions , [he]_82-strether now looked up at [the fine continuous balcony]_{847-the fine continuous balcony} with a safe sense that if the case had been bungled the mistake was at least [[his]_82-strether property]_{848-his property} . Was there perhaps just a suspicion of that in [his]_82-strether present pause on the edge of [the Boulevard]_{19-the boulevard} and well in the pleasant light ? Many things came over [him]_82-strether here , and one of them was that [he]_82-strether should doubtless presently know whether [he]_82-strether had been shallow or sharp . Another was that [the balcony in question]_{849-the balcony in question} did n't somehow show as a convenience easy to surrender . [Poor Strether]_82-strether had at this very moment to recognise the truth that wherever one paused in [Paris]_1-paris the imagination reacted before [one]_2797-one could stop it . This perpetual reaction put a price , if [one]_2797-one would , on pauses ; but it piled up consequences till there was scarce room to pick [one]_2797-one 's steps among them . What call had [he]_82-strether , at such a juncture , for example , to like [[Chad]_111-chad 's very house]_{853-chad 's very house} ? [High broad clear]_{854-high broad clear} - [he]_82-strether was expert enough to make out in a moment that [it]_{853-chad 's very house} was admirably built - it fairly embarrassed [[our]_855-our friend]_{235-our friend} by the quality that , as [he]_82-strether would have said , it ' sprang " on [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether had struck off the fancy that it might , as a preliminary , be of service to [him]_82-strether to be seen , by a happy accident , from the third - story windows , which took all the March sun , but of what service was it to find [himself]_82-strether making out after a moment that the quality ' sprung , "_{[82-strether]} the quality produced by measure and balance , the fine relation of part to part and space to space , was probably - aided by the presence of ornament as positive as it was discreet , and by the complexion of the stone , a cold fair grey , warmed and polished a little by life - neither more nor less than a case of distinction , such a case as [he]_82-strether could only feel unexpectedly as a sort of delivered challenge ? Meanwhile , however , the chance [he]_82-strether had allowed for - the chance of being seen in time from [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} - had become a fact . Two or three of the windows stood open to the violet air ; and , before [Strether]_82-strether had cut the knot by crossing , [a young man]_{2991-a young man} had come out and looked about [him]_82-strether , had lighted a cigarette and tossed the match over , and then , resting on the rail , had given [himself]_{2991-a young man} up to watching the life below while [he]_{2991-a young man} smoked . [His]_{2991-a young man} arrival contributed , in its order , to keeping [Strether]_82-strether in position ; the result of which in turn was that [Strether]_82-strether soon felt [himself]_82-strether noticed . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} began to look at [him]_82-strether as in acknowledgement of [his]_{2833-the young man} being [himself]_{2833-the young man} in observation . This was interesting so far as it went , but the interest was affected by [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's not being [Chad]_111-chad . [Strether]_82-strether wondered at first if [he]_{2833-the young man} were perhaps [Chad]_111-chad altered , and then saw that this was asking too much of alteration . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} was light bright and alert - with an air too pleasant to have been arrived at by patching . [Strether]_82-strether had conceived [Chad]_111-chad as patched , but not beyond recognition . [He]_82-strether was in presence , [he]_82-strether felt , of amendments enough as [they]_862-they stood ; it was a sufficient amendment that [the gentleman up there]_{863-the gentleman up there} should be [[Chad]_111-chad 's friend]_{864-chad 's friend} . [He]_{2833-the young man} was young too then , [the gentleman up there]_{863-the gentleman up there} - [he]_{2833-the young man} was very young ; young enough apparently to be amused at [an elderly watcher]_{866-an elderly watcher} , to be curious even to see what [the elderly watcher]_{867-the elderly watcher} would do on finding [himself]_{867-the elderly watcher} watched . There was youth in that , there was youth in the surrender to [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , there was youth for [Strether]_82-strether at this moment in everything but [his]_82-strether own business ; and [Chad]_111-chad 's thus pronounced association with [youth]_869-youth had given the next instant an extraordinary quick lift to the issue . [The balcony]_{857-the balcony} , [the distinguished front]_{871-the distinguished front} , testified suddenly , for [Strether]_82-strether 's fancy , to something that was up and up ; [they]_862-they placed the whole case materially , and as by an admirable image , on a level that [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether at the end of another moment rejoicing to think [he]_82-strether might reach . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} looked at [him]_{2833-the young man} still , [he]_{2833-the young man} looked at [the young man]_{2833-the young man} ; and the issue , by a rapid process , was that this knowledge of a perched privacy appeared to [him]_82-strether the last of luxuries . To [him]_82-strether too [the perched privacy]_{874-the perched privacy} was open , and [he]_82-strether saw it now but in one light - that of the only domicile , the only fireside , in [the great ironic city]_{875-the great ironic city} , on which [he]_82-strether had the shadow of a claim . [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had a fireside ; [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had told [him]_82-strether of it , and it was something that doubtless awaited [him]_82-strether ; but [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had n't yet arrived - [she]_{99-miss gostrey} might n't arrive for days ; and the sole attenuation of [his]_82-strether excluded state was [his]_82-strether vision of [the small , the admittedly secondary hotel in [the bye - street]_{877-the bye - street} from [the Rue de la Paix]_{27-the rue de la paix}]_{876-the small , the admittedly secondary hotel in the bye - street from the rue de la paix} , in which [her]_{99-miss gostrey} solicitude for [his]_82-strether purse had placed [him]_82-strether , which affected [him]_82-strether somehow as all [indoor chill , glass - roofed court]_{878-indoor chill , glass - roofed court} and slippery staircase , and which , by the same token , expressed the presence of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh even at times when [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh might have been certain to be round at [the bank]_{709-the bank} . It came to pass before [he]_82-strether moved that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh alone , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh not only undiluted but positively strengthened , struck [him]_82-strether as the present alternative to [the young man in the balcony]_{880-the young man in the balcony} . When [he]_82-strether did move it was fairly to escape that alternative . Taking [his]_82-strether way over [the street]_{356-the street} at last and passing through [the porte - cochere of [the house]_{654-the house}]_{882-the porte - cochere of the house} was like consciously leaving [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh out . However , [he]_82-strether would tell [him]_82-strether all about it . [Book Third I Strether]_82-strether told [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh all about it that very evening , on [their]_884-their dining together at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} ; which need n't have happened , [he]_96-waymarsh was all the while aware , had n't [he]_96-waymarsh chosen to sacrifice to this occasion a rarer opportunity . The mention to [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} of the sacrifice was moreover exactly what introduced [his]_96-waymarsh recital - or , as [he]_96-waymarsh would have called it with more confidence in [[his]_96-waymarsh interlocutor]_{887-his interlocutor} , [his]_96-waymarsh confession . [His]_96-waymarsh confession was that [he]_96-waymarsh had been captured and that one of the features of the affair had just failed to be [his]_96-waymarsh engaging [himself]_96-waymarsh on the spot to dinner . As by such a freedom [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would have lost [him]_96-waymarsh [he]_96-waymarsh had obeyed [his]_96-waymarsh scruple ; and [he]_96-waymarsh had likewise obeyed another scruple - which bore on the question of [his]_96-waymarsh [himself]_96-waymarsh bringing [a guest]_{315-a guest} . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh looked gravely ardent , over the finished soup , at this array of scruples ; [Strether]_82-strether had n't yet got quite used to being so unprepared for the consequences of the impression [he]_96-waymarsh produced . It was comparatively easy to explain , however , that [he]_82-strether had n't felt sure [[his]_82-strether guest]_{889-his guest} would please . [The person]_{628-the person} was [a young man whose acquaintance [he]_82-strether had made but that afternoon in the course of rather a hindered enquiry for [another person]_{892-another person}]_{891-a young man whose acquaintance he had made but that afternoon in the course of rather a hindered enquiry for another person} - an enquiry [[his]_82-strether new friend]_{527-his new friend} had just prevented in fact from being vain . " Oh , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [I]_82-strether 've all sorts of things to tell [you]_96-waymarsh ! "_{[82-strether]} - and [he]_82-strether put it in a way that was a virtual hint to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh to help [him]_96-waymarsh to enjoy the telling . [He]_96-waymarsh waited for [his]_96-waymarsh fish , [he]_96-waymarsh drank of [his]_96-waymarsh wine , [he]_96-waymarsh wiped [his]_96-waymarsh long moustache , [he]_96-waymarsh leaned back in [his]_96-waymarsh chair , [he]_96-waymarsh took in the two English ladies who had just creaked past [them]_894-them and whom [he]_96-waymarsh would even have articulately greeted if [they]_894-them had n't rather chilled the impulse ; so that all [he]_96-waymarsh could do was - by way of doing something - to say " Merci , [Francois]_128-francois ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} out quite loud when [his]_96-waymarsh fish was brought . Everything was there that [he]_96-waymarsh wanted , everything that could make the moment an occasion , that would do beautifully - everything but what [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh might give . [The little waxed salle - a - manger]_{895-the little waxed salle - a - manger} was sallow and sociable ; [Francois]_128-francois , dancing over it , all smiles , was [a man]_{572-a man} and [a brother]_{897-a brother} ; [the high - shouldered patronne]_{898-the high - shouldered patronne} , with [her]_{898-the high - shouldered patronne} high - held , much - rubbed hands , seemed always assenting exuberantly to something unsaid ; the [Paris]_1-paris evening in short was , for [Strether]_82-strether , in the very taste of the soup , in the goodness , as [he]_82-strether was innocently pleased to think it , of the wine , in the pleasant coarse texture of the napkin and the crunch of the thick - crusted bread . These all were things congruous with [his]_82-strether confession , and [his]_82-strether confession was that [he]_82-strether HAD - it would come out properly just there if [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would only take it properly - agreed to breakfast out , at twelve literally , the next day . [He]_96-waymarsh did n't quite know where ; the delicacy of the case came straight up in the remembrance of [[his]_96-waymarsh new friend]_{527-his new friend} 's " [We]_3057-we 'll see ; [I]_{527-his new friend} 'll take [you]_96-waymarsh somewhere ! "_{[527-his new friend]} - for it had required little more than that , after all , to let [him]_96-waymarsh right in . [He]_96-waymarsh was affected after a minute , face to face with [[his]_96-waymarsh actual comrade]_{900-his actual comrade} , by the impulse to overcolour . There had already been things in respect to which [he]_96-waymarsh knew [himself]_96-waymarsh tempted by this perversity . If [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh thought them bad [he]_96-waymarsh should at least have [his]_96-waymarsh reason for [his]_96-waymarsh discomfort ; so [Strether]_82-strether showed [them]_901-them as worse . Still , [he]_96-waymarsh was now , in [his]_96-waymarsh way , sincerely perplexed . [Chad]_111-chad had been absent from [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} - was absent from [Paris]_1-paris altogether ; [he]_96-waymarsh had learned that from [the concierge]_{903-the concierge} , but had nevertheless gone up , and gone up - there were no two ways about it - from an uncontrollable , a really , if one would , depraved curiosity . [The concierge]_{903-the concierge} had mentioned to [him]_96-waymarsh that [a friend of [the tenant of the troisieme]_{906-the tenant of the troisieme}]_{905-a friend of the tenant of the troisieme} was for the time in possession ; and this had been [Strether]_82-strether 's pretext for a further enquiry , an experiment carried on , under [Chad]_111-chad 's roof , without [his]_96-waymarsh knowledge . " [I]_96-waymarsh found [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} in fact there keeping [the place]_{2826-the place} warm , as [he]_111-chad called [it]_{2826-the place} , for [him]_111-chad ; [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad being , as appears , in [the south]_{3060-the south} . [He]_111-chad went a month ago to [Cannes]_28-cannes and though [his]_111-chad return begins to be looked for it ca n't be for some days . [I]_96-waymarsh might , [you]_3061-you see , perfectly have waited a week ; might have beaten a retreat as soon as [I]_96-waymarsh got this essential knowledge . But [I]_96-waymarsh beat no retreat ; [I]_96-waymarsh did the opposite ; [I]_96-waymarsh stayed , [I]_96-waymarsh dawdled , [I]_96-waymarsh trifled ; above all [I]_96-waymarsh looked round . [I]_96-waymarsh saw , in fine ; and - [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know what to call it - [I]_96-waymarsh sniffed . It 's a detail , but it 's as if there were something - something very good - TO sniff . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's face had shown [[his]_96-waymarsh friend]_{259-his friend} an attention apparently so remote that [the latter]_{504-the latter} was slightly surprised to find it at this point abreast with [him]_96-waymarsh . " Do [you]_96-waymarsh mean a smell ? What of ? "_{[504-the latter]} " A charming scent . But [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh gave an inferential grunt . " Does [he]_{259-his friend} live [there]_311-there with [a woman]_{3063-a woman} ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh waited an instant for more , then resumed . " Has [he]_{259-his friend} taken [her]_{3063-a woman} off with [him]_{259-his friend} ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " And will [he]_{259-his friend} bring [her]_{3063-a woman} back ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} - [Strether]_82-strether fell into the enquiry . But [he]_82-strether wound it up as before . " [I]_82-strether do n't know . "_{[82-strether]} The way [he]_82-strether wound it up , accompanied as this was with another drop back , another degustation of [the Leoville]_{129-the leoville} , another wipe of [his]_82-strether moustache and another good word for [Francois]_128-francois , seemed to produce in [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} a slight irritation . " Then what the devil DO [you]_96-waymarsh know ? "_{[82-strether]} " Well , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether almost gaily , " [I]_82-strether guess [I]_82-strether do n't know anything ! "_{[82-strether]} [His]_82-strether gaiety might have been a tribute to the fact that the state [he]_82-strether had been reduced to did for [him]_82-strether again what had been done by [his]_82-strether talk of the matter with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} at [the London theatre]_{910-the london theatre} . It was somehow enlarging ; and the air of that amplitude was now doubtless more or less - and all for [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh to feel - in [his]_96-waymarsh further response . " That 's what [I]_82-strether found out from [the young man]_{2833-the young man} . "_{[82-strether]} " But [I]_82-strether thought [you]_82-strether said [you]_82-strether found out nothing . "_{[82-strether]} " Nothing but that - that [I]_82-strether do n't know anything . "_{[82-strether]} " And what good does that do [you]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} " It 's just , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " what [I]_82-strether 've come to [you]_82-strether to help [me]_82-strether to discover . [I]_82-strether mean anything about anything over here . [I]_82-strether FELT that , up there . [It]_3065-it regularly rose before [me]_82-strether in its might . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} moreover - [[Chad]_111-chad 's friend]_{864-chad 's friend} - as good as told [me]_82-strether so . "_{[82-strether]} " As good as told [you]_82-strether [you]_82-strether know nothing about anything ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh appeared to look at [some one who might have as good as told [HIM]_96-waymarsh]_{911-some one who might have as good as told him} . " How old is [he]_{2833-the young man} ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Well , [I]_82-strether guess not thirty . "_{[82-strether]} " Yet [you]_82-strether had to take that from [him]_{2833-the young man} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [I]_96-waymarsh took a good deal more - since , as [I]_96-waymarsh tell [you]_82-strether , [I]_96-waymarsh took an invitation to dejeuner . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " And are [you]_82-strether GOING to that unholy meal ? "_{[82-strether]} " If [you]_82-strether 'll come with [me]_82-strether . [He]_{2833-the young man} wants [you]_82-strether too , [you]_82-strether know . [I]_82-strether told [him]_{2833-the young man} about [you]_82-strether . [He]_{2833-the young man} gave [me]_82-strether [his]_{2833-the young man} card , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether pursued , " and [his]_{2833-the young man} name 's rather funny . It 's [John Little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} , and [he]_{2833-the young man} says [his]_{2833-the young man} two surnames are , on account of [his]_{2833-the young man} being small , inevitably used together . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh asked with due detachment from these details , " what 's [he]_{2833-the young man} doing up there ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " [His]_{2833-the young man} account of [himself]_{2833-the young man} is that [he]_{2833-the young man} 's ' only [a little artist - man]_{3068-a little artist - man} . ' That seemed to [me]_82-strether perfectly to describe [him]_{2833-the young man} . But [he]_{2833-the young man} 's yet in the phase of study ; this , [you]_82-strether know , is the great art - school - to pass a certain number of years in which [he]_{2833-the young man} came over . And [he]_{2833-the young man} 's [a great friend of [Chad]_111-chad 's , and occupying [[Chad]_111-chad 's rooms]_{3070-chad 's rooms}]_{3069-a great friend of chad 's , and occupying chad 's rooms} just now because they 're so pleasant . [HE]_{2833-the young man} 'S very pleasant and curious too , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether added - " though [he]_{2833-the young man} 's not from [Boston]_15-boston . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh looked already rather sick of [him]_96-waymarsh . " Where is [he]_{2833-the young man} from ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether thought . " [I]_82-strether do n't know that , either . But [he]_{2833-the young man} 's ' notoriously , ' as [he]_{2833-the young man} put it [himself]_{2833-the young man} , not from [Boston]_15-boston . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh moralised from dry depths , " every one ca n't notoriously be from [Boston]_15-boston . Why , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [he]_96-waymarsh continued , " is [he]_{2833-the young man} curious ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Perhaps just for THAT - for one thing ! But really , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether added , " for everything . When [you]_96-waymarsh meet [him]_{2833-the young man} [you]_96-waymarsh 'll see . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [I]_96-waymarsh do n't want to meet [him]_{2833-the young man} , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh impatiently growled . " Why do n't [he]_{2833-the young man} go [home]_2874-home ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " Well , because [he]_{2833-the young man} likes it over here . "_{[82-strether]} This appeared in particular more than [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh could bear . " [He]_{2833-the young man} ought then to be ashamed of [himself]_{2833-the young man} , and , as [you]_82-strether admit that [you]_82-strether think so too , why drag [him]_{2833-the young man} in ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether 's reply again took time . " Perhaps [I]_82-strether do think so [myself]_82-strether - though [I]_82-strether do n't quite yet admit it . [I]_82-strether 'm not a bit sure - it 's again one of the things [I]_82-strether want to find out . [I]_82-strether liked [him]_{2833-the young man} , and CAN [you]_82-strether like [people]_2824-people - ? But no matter . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether pulled [himself]_82-strether up . " There 's no doubt [I]_82-strether want [you]_82-strether to come down on [me]_82-strether and squash [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh helped [himself]_96-waymarsh to the next course , which , however proving not the dish [he]_96-waymarsh had just noted as supplied to [the English ladies]_{912-the english ladies} , had the effect of causing [his]_96-waymarsh imagination temporarily to wander . But it presently broke out at a softer spot . " Have [they]_3073-they got [a handsome place up there]_{3074-a handsome place up there} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [a charming place]_{3075-a charming place} ; full of beautiful and valuable things . [I]_82-strether never saw [such a place]_{3076-such a place} "_{[82-strether]} - and [Strether]_82-strether 's thought went back to it . " For [a little artist - man]_{3068-a little artist - man} - ! "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether could in fact scarce express it . But [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} , who appeared now to have a view , insisted . " Well ? "_{[388-his companion]} " Well , life can hold nothing better . Besides , they 're things of which [he]_{3068-a little artist - man} 's in charge . "_{[82-strether]} " So that [he]_{3068-a little artist - man} does doorkeeper for [[your]_82-strether precious pair]_{3078-your precious pair} ? Can life , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh enquired , " hold nothing better than THAT ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} Then as [Strether]_82-strether , silent , seemed even yet to wonder , " Does n't [he]_{3068-a little artist - man} know what [SHE]_{3078-your precious pair} is ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [he]_96-waymarsh went on . " [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know . [I]_96-waymarsh did n't ask [him]_{3068-a little artist - man} . [I]_96-waymarsh could n't . It was impossible . [You]_82-strether would n't either . Besides [I]_96-waymarsh did n't want to . No more would [you]_82-strether . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Strether]_82-strether in short explained it at a stroke . " [You]_82-strether ca n't make out over here what [people]_2824-people do know . "_{[82-strether]} " Then what did [you]_96-waymarsh come over for ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Well , [I]_96-waymarsh suppose exactly to see for [myself]_96-waymarsh - without [their]_2824-people aid . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Then what do [you]_96-waymarsh want [mine]_96-waymarsh for ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed , " [you]_82-strether 're [not one of [THEM]_2824-people]_{3080-not one of them} ! [I]_82-strether do know what [you]_82-strether know . "_{[82-strether]} As , however , this last assertion caused [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh again to look at [him]_82-strether hard - such being [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's doubt of its implications - [he]_82-strether felt [his]_82-strether justification lame . Which was still more the case when [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh presently said : " Look here , [Strether]_82-strether . Quit this . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [[Our]_915-our friend]_{235-our friend} smiled with a doubt of [his]_{235-our friend} own . " Do [you]_82-strether mean [my]_{235-our friend} tone ? "_{[235-our friend]} " No - damn [your]_82-strether tone . [I]_96-waymarsh mean [your]_82-strether nosing round . Quit the whole job . Let [them]_2824-people stew in [their]_2824-people juice . [You]_82-strether 're being used for a thing [you]_82-strether ai n't fit for . [People]_2824-people do n't take a fine - tooth comb to groom a horse . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Am [I]_82-strether a fine - tooth comb ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed . " It 's something [I]_82-strether never called [myself]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} " It 's what [you]_82-strether are , all the same . [You]_82-strether ai n't so young as [you]_82-strether were , but [you]_82-strether 've kept [your]_82-strether teeth . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether acknowledged [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's humour . " Take care [I]_82-strether do n't get [them]_2824-people into [YOU]_82-strether ! [You]_82-strether 'd like [them]_2824-people , [[my]_82-strether friends]_{3082-my friends} at [home]_2874-home , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether declared ; " [you]_82-strether 'd really particularly like [them]_2824-people . And [I]_82-strether know "_{[82-strether]} - it was slightly irrelevant , but [he]_82-strether gave it sudden and singular force - " [I]_82-strether know [they]_2824-people 'd like [you]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} " Oh do n't work [them]_2824-people off on [ME]_96-waymarsh ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh groaned . Yet [Strether]_82-strether still lingered with [his]_82-strether hands in [his]_82-strether pockets . " It 's really quite as indispensable as [I]_82-strether say that [Chad]_111-chad should be got back . "_{[82-strether]} " Indispensable to whom ? To [you]_82-strether ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Yes , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether presently said . " Because if [you]_82-strether get [him]_111-chad [you]_82-strether also get [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether faced it . " Yes . "_{[82-strether]} " And if [you]_82-strether do n't get [him]_111-chad [you]_82-strether do n't get [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_{[82-strether]} It might be merciless , but [he]_82-strether continued not to flinch . " [I]_82-strether think it might have some effect on [our]_3084-our personal understanding . [Chad]_111-chad 's of real importance - or can easily become so if [he]_111-chad will - to the business . "_{[82-strether]} " And the business is of real importance to [[[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} 's husband]_{3086-his mother 's husband} ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Well , [I]_82-strether naturally want what [[my]_82-strether future wife]_{3087-my future wife} wants . And the thing will be much better if [we]_3084-our have [[our]_3084-our own man]_{3088-our own man} in it . "_{[82-strether]} " If [you]_82-strether have [[your]_82-strether own man]_{3089-your own man} in it , in other words , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh said , " [you]_82-strether 'll marry - [you]_82-strether personally - more money . [She]_{3087-my future wife} 's already rich , as [I]_96-waymarsh understand [you]_82-strether , but [she]_{3087-my future wife} 'll be richer still if the business can be made to boom on certain lines that [you]_82-strether 've laid down . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " [I]_82-strether have n't laid them down , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether promptly returned . " [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} - who knew extraordinarily well what [he]_{114-mr. newsome} was about - laid them down ten years ago . "_{[82-strether]} Oh well , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh seemed to indicate with a shake of [his]_96-waymarsh mane , THAT did n't matter ! " [You]_82-strether 're fierce for the boom anyway . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [[His]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} weighed a moment in silence the justice of the charge . " [I]_96-waymarsh can scarcely be called fierce , [I]_96-waymarsh think , when [I]_96-waymarsh so freely take [my]_96-waymarsh chance of the possibility , the danger , of being influenced in a sense counter to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's own feelings . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh gave this proposition a long hard look . " [I]_96-waymarsh see . [You]_82-strether 're afraid [yourself]_82-strether of being squared . But [you]_82-strether 're [a humbug]_{3090-a humbug} , "_{[96-waymarsh]} [he]_96-waymarsh added , " all the same . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Oh ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether quickly protested . " Yes , [you]_82-strether ask [me]_82-strether for protection - which makes [you]_82-strether very interesting ; and then [you]_82-strether wo n't take it . [You]_82-strether say [you]_82-strether want to be squashed - "_{[82-strether]} " Ah but not so easily ! Do n't [you]_82-strether see , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether demanded " where [my]_82-strether interest , as already shown [you]_82-strether , lies ? It lies in [my]_82-strether not being squared . If [I]_82-strether 'm squared where 's [my]_82-strether marriage ? If [I]_82-strether miss [my]_82-strether errand [I]_82-strether miss that ; and if [I]_82-strether miss that [I]_82-strether miss everything - [I]_82-strether 'm nowhere . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - but all relentlessly - took this in . " What do [I]_96-waymarsh care where [you]_82-strether are if [you]_82-strether 're spoiled ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Their]_919-them eyes met on it an instant . " Thank [you]_82-strether awfully , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether at last said . " But do n't [you]_82-strether think [HER]_3091-her judgement of that - ? "_{[82-strether]} " Ought to content [me]_82-strether ? No . "_{[82-strether]} It kept [them]_919-them again face to face , and the end of this was that [Strether]_82-strether again laughed . " [You]_82-strether do [her]_3091-her injustice . [You]_82-strether really MUST know [her]_3091-her . Good - night . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether breakfasted with [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} on the morrow , and , as inconsequently befell , with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh massively of [the party]_{920-the party} . [The latter]_{504-the latter} announced , at the eleventh hour and much to [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's surprise , that , damn it , [he]_82-strether would as soon join [him]_82-strether as do anything else ; on which [they]_919-them proceeded together , strolling in a state of detachment practically luxurious for [them]_919-them to [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} , [a couple engaged that day with the sharp spell of Paris]_{924-a couple engaged that day with the sharp spell of paris} as confessedly , it might have been seen , as any couple among [the daily thousands]_{925-the daily thousands} so compromised . [They]_919-them walked , wandered , wondered and , a little , lost [themselves]_919-them ; [Strether]_82-strether had n't had for years so rich a consciousness of time - a bag of gold into which [he]_82-strether constantly dipped for a handful . It was present to [him]_82-strether that when the little business with [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} should be over [he]_82-strether would still have shining hours to use absolutely as [he]_82-strether liked . There was no great pulse of haste yet in this process of saving [Chad]_111-chad ; nor was that effect a bit more marked as [he]_82-strether sat , half an hour later , with [his]_82-strether legs under [Chad]_111-chad 's mahogany , with [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} on one side , with [a friend of [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham}]_{926-a friend of mr. bilham} 's on the other , with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh stupendously opposite , and with the great hum of [Paris]_1-paris coming up in softness , vagueness - for [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether indeed already positive sweetness - through the sunny windows toward which , the day before , [his]_82-strether curiosity had raised its wings from below . The feeling strongest with [him]_82-strether at that moment had borne fruit almost faster than [he]_82-strether could taste it , and [Strether]_82-strether literally felt at the present hour that there was a precipitation in [his]_82-strether fate . [He]_82-strether had known nothing and [nobody]_270-nobody as [he]_82-strether stood in [the street]_{356-the street} ; but had n't [his]_82-strether view now taken a bound in the direction of every one and of every thing ? " What 's [he]_82-strether up to , what 's [he]_82-strether up to ? "_{[82-strether]} - something like that was at the back of [his]_82-strether head all the while in respect to [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ; but meanwhile , till [he]_82-strether should make out , every one and every thing were as good as represented for [him]_82-strether by the combination of [[his]_82-strether host]_{929-his host} and [the lady on [his]_82-strether left]_{930-the lady on his left} . [The lady]_{299-the lady} on [his]_82-strether left , [the lady]_{299-the lady} thus promptly and ingeniously invited to " meet "_{[299-the lady]} [Mr. Strether]_82-strether and [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - it was the way [she]_{299-the lady} [herself]_{299-the lady} expressed [her]_{299-the lady} case - was [a very marked person]_{933-a very marked person} , a person who had much to do with [[our]_934-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's asking [himself]_82-strether if the occasion were n't in its essence the most baited , the most gilded of traps . Baited it could properly be called when the repast was of so wise a savour , and gilded surrounding objects seemed inevitably to need to be when [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} - which was [the lady]_{299-the lady} 's name - looked at [them]_937-them with convex Parisian eyes and through a glass with a remarkably long tortoise - shell handle . Why [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , mature meagre erect and eminently gay , highly adorned , perfectly familiar , freely contradictions and reminding [him]_82-strether of some last - century portrait of a clever head without powder - why [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} should have been in particular the note of a " trap "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Strether]_82-strether could n't on the spot have explained ; [he]_82-strether blinked in the light of a conviction that [he]_82-strether should know later on , and know well - as it came over [him]_82-strether , for that matter , with force , that [he]_82-strether should need to . [He]_82-strether wondered what [he]_82-strether was to think exactly of [either of [[his]_82-strether new friends]_{939-his new friends}]_{938-either of his new friends} ; since [the young man]_{2833-the young man} , [[Chad]_111-chad 's intimate and deputy]_{941-chad 's intimate and deputy} , had , in thus constituting the scene , practised so much more subtly than [he]_82-strether had been prepared for , and since in especial [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , surrounded clearly by every consideration , had n't scrupled to figure as a familiar object . It was interesting to [him]_82-strether to feel that [he]_82-strether was in the presence of new measures , other standards , a different scale of relations , and that evidently here were [a happy pair who did n't think of things]_{942-a happy pair who did n't think of things} at all as [he]_82-strether and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh thought . Nothing was less to have been calculated in the business than that it should now be for [him]_82-strether as if [he]_82-strether and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh were comparatively quite at one . The latter was magnificent - this at least was an assurance privately given [him]_82-strether by [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} . " Oh [[your]_82-strether friend]_{632-your friend} 's a type , [the grand old American]_{3093-the grand old american} - what shall one call it ? [The Hebrew prophet]_{3094-the hebrew prophet} , [Ezekiel]_132-ezekiel , [Jeremiah]_133-jeremiah , who used when [I]_82-strether was [a little girl in [the Rue Montaigne]_{3096-the rue montaigne}]_{3095-a little girl in the rue montaigne} to come to see [[my]_82-strether father]_{3097-my father} and who was usually [the American Minister]_{3098-the american minister} to [the Tuileries]_{134-the tuileries} or [some other court]_{3099-some other court} . [I]_82-strether have n't seen one these ever so many years ; the sight of it warms [my]_82-strether poor old chilled heart ; this specimen is wonderful ; in the right quarter , [you]_3100-you know , [he]_3101-he 'll have a succes fou . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had n't failed to ask what the right quarter might be , much as [he]_82-strether required [his]_82-strether presence of mind to meet such a change in [their]_943-their scheme . " Oh [the artist - quarter]_{3102-the artist - quarter} and that kind of thing ; [HERE]_3103-here already , for instance , as [you]_3100-you see . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether had been on the point of echoing " ' Here ' ? - is [THIS]_3104-this [the artist - quarter]_{3102-the artist - quarter} ? "_[944-she] but [she]_944-she had already disposed of the question with a wave of all [her]_944-she tortoise - shell and an easy " Bring [him]_82-strether to [ME]_944-she ! "_[944-she] [He]_82-strether knew on the spot how little [he]_82-strether should be able to bring [him]_82-strether , for the very air was by this time , to [his]_82-strether sense , thick and hot with poor [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's judgement of it . [He]_82-strether was in the trap still more than [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} and , unlike [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} , not making the best of it ; which was precisely what doubtless gave [him]_82-strether [his]_82-strether admirable sombre glow . Little did [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} know that what was behind it was [his]_82-strether grave estimate of [her]_{131-miss barrace} own laxity . The general assumption with which [[our]_947-our two friends]_{948-our two friends} had arrived had been that of finding [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ready to conduct [them]_{948-our two friends} to one or other of [those resorts of the earnest , the aesthetic fraternity which were shown among the sights of [Paris]_1-paris]_{949-those resorts of the earnest , the aesthetic fraternity which were shown among the sights of paris} . In this character it would have justified [them]_{948-our two friends} in a proper insistence on discharging [their]_{948-our two friends} score . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's only proviso at the last had been that [nobody]_270-nobody should pay for [him]_96-waymarsh ; but [he]_96-waymarsh found [himself]_96-waymarsh , as the occasion developed , paid for on a scale as to which [Strether]_82-strether privately made out that [he]_82-strether already nursed retribution . [Strether]_82-strether was conscious across the table of what worked in [him]_82-strether , conscious when [they]_{948-our two friends} passed back to [the small salon to which , the previous evening , [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had made so rich a reference]_{951-the small salon to which , the previous evening , he himself had made so rich a reference} ; conscious most of all as [they]_{948-our two friends} stepped out to the balcony in which [one]_2797-one would have had to be an ogre not to recognise [the perfect place for easy aftertastes]_{953-the perfect place for easy aftertastes} . These things were enhanced for [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} by a succession of excellent cigarettes - acknowledged , acclaimed , as a part of the wonderful supply left behind [him]_82-strether by [Chad]_111-chad - in an almost equal absorption of which [Strether]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether blindly , almost wildly pushing forward . [He]_82-strether might perish by the sword as well as by famine , and [he]_82-strether knew that [his]_82-strether having abetted [the lady]_{299-the lady} by an excess that was rare with [him]_82-strether would count for little in the sum - as [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh might so easily add it up - of [her]_{299-the lady} licence . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had smoked of old , smoked hugely ; but [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh did nothing now , and that gave [him]_96-waymarsh [his]_96-waymarsh advantage over [people who took things up lightly just when others had laid them heavily down]_{955-people who took things up lightly just when others had laid them heavily down} . [Strether]_82-strether had never smoked , and [he]_82-strether felt as if [he]_82-strether flaunted at [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} that this had been only because of a reason . The reason , it now began to appear even to [himself]_82-strether , was that [he]_82-strether had never had [a lady to smoke with]_{957-a lady to smoke with} . It was [this lady]_{327-this lady} 's being there at all , however , that was the strange free thing ; perhaps , since [she]_{327-this lady} WAS there , [her]_{327-this lady} smoking was the least of [her]_{327-this lady} freedoms . If [Strether]_82-strether had been sure at each juncture of what - with [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} in especial - [she]_{327-this lady} talked about , [he]_82-strether might have traced [others]_2890-others and winced at [them]_2890-others and felt Waymarsh wince ; but [he]_82-strether was in fact so often at [sea]_960-sea that [his]_82-strether sense of the range of reference was merely general and that [he]_82-strether on several different occasions guessed and interpreted only to doubt . [He]_82-strether wondered what they meant , but there were things [he]_82-strether scarce thought they could be supposed to mean , and " Oh no - not THAT ! "_{[82-strether]} was at the end of most of [his]_82-strether ventures . This was the very beginning with [him]_82-strether of a condition as to which , later on , it will be seen , [he]_82-strether found cause to pull [himself]_82-strether up ; and [he]_82-strether was to remember the moment duly as the first step in a process . The central fact of [the place]_{2826-the place} was neither more nor less , when analysed - and a pressure superficial sufficed - than the fundamental impropriety of [Chad]_111-chad 's situation , round about which [they]_962-they thus seemed cynically clustered . Accordingly , since [they]_962-they took it for granted , [they]_962-they took for granted all that was in connexion with it taken for granted at [Woollett]_87-woollett - matters as to which , verily , [he]_82-strether had been reduced with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} to the last intensity of silence . That was the consequence of [their]_962-they being too bad to be talked about , and was the accompaniment , by the same token , of a deep conception of [their]_962-they badness . It befell therefore that when [poor Strether]_82-strether put it to [himself]_82-strether that [their]_962-they badness was ultimately , or perhaps even insolently , what such a scene as the one before [him]_82-strether was , so to speak , built upon , [he]_82-strether could scarce shirk the dilemma of reading a roundabout echo of [them]_962-they into almost anything that came up . This , [he]_82-strether was well aware , was a dreadful necessity ; but such was the stern logic , [he]_82-strether could only gather , of a relation to the irregular life . It was the way the irregular life sat upon [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} that was the insidious , the delicate marvel . [He]_82-strether was eager to concede that [their]_962-they relation to it was all indirect , for anything else in [him]_82-strether would have shown the grossness of bad manners ; but the indirectness was none the less consonant - THAT was striking - with a grateful enjoyment of everything that was [Chad]_111-chad 's . [They]_962-they spoke of [him]_82-strether repeatedly , invoking [his]_82-strether good name and good nature , and the worst confusion of mind for [Strether]_82-strether was that all [their]_962-they mention of [him]_82-strether was of a kind to do [him]_82-strether honour . [They]_962-they commended [his]_82-strether munificence and approved [his]_82-strether taste , and in doing so sat down , as it seemed to [Strether]_82-strether , in the very soil out of which these things flowered . [[Our]_963-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's final predicament was that [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether was sitting down , for the time , WITH [them]_962-they , and there was a supreme moment at which , compared with [his]_82-strether collapse , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's erectness affected [him]_82-strether as really high . One thing was certain - [he]_82-strether saw [he]_82-strether must make up [his]_82-strether mind . [He]_82-strether must approach [Chad]_111-chad , must wait for [him]_111-chad , deal with [him]_111-chad , master [him]_111-chad , but [he]_82-strether must n't dispossess [himself]_82-strether of the faculty of seeing things as they were . [He]_82-strether must bring [him]_111-chad to [HIM]_111-chad - not go [himself]_82-strether , as it were , so much of the way . [He]_82-strether must at any rate be clearer as to what - should [he]_82-strether continue to do that for convenience - [he]_82-strether was still condoning . It was on the detail of this quantity - and what could the fact be but mystifying?-that [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} threw so little light . So there [they]_965-they were . II When [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} arrived , at the end of a week , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} made [him]_82-strether a sign ; [he]_82-strether went immediately to see [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , and it was n't till then that [he]_82-strether could again close [his]_82-strether grasp on the idea of a corrective . This idea however was luckily all before [him]_82-strether again from the moment [he]_82-strether crossed the threshold of [the little entresol of the Quartier Marboeuf into which [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had gathered]_{966-the little entresol of the quartier marboeuf into which she had gathered} , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said , picking them up in a thousand flights and funny little passionate pounces , the makings of a final nest . [He]_82-strether recognised in an instant that there really , there only , [he]_82-strether should find the boon with the vision of which [he]_82-strether had first mounted [[Chad]_111-chad 's stairs]_{967-chad 's stairs} . [He]_82-strether might have been a little scared at the picture of how much more , in this place , [he]_82-strether should know [himself]_82-strether " in "_{[82-strether]} had n't [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} been on the spot to measure the amount to [his]_82-strether appetite . [[Her]_{99-miss gostrey} compact and crowded little chambers]_{969-her compact and crowded little chambers} , almost dusky , as they at first struck [him]_82-strether , with accumulations , represented a supreme general adjustment to opportunities and conditions . Wherever [he]_82-strether looked [he]_82-strether saw an old ivory or an old brocade , and [he]_82-strether scarce knew where to sit for fear of a misappliance . The life of [the occupant]_{970-the occupant} struck [him]_82-strether of a sudden as more charged with possession even than [Chad]_111-chad 's or than [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} 's ; wide as [his]_82-strether glimpse had lately become of the empire of " things , "_{[970-the occupant]} what was before [him]_82-strether still enlarged it ; the lust of the eyes and the pride of life had indeed thus [[their]_971-their temple]_{972-their temple} . It was [the innermost nook of [the shrine]_{974-the shrine}]_{973-the innermost nook of the shrine} - as brown as [[a pirate]_{975-a pirate} 's cave]_{976-a pirate 's cave} . In the brownness were glints of gold ; patches of purple were in the gloom ; objects all that caught , through the muslin , with their high rarity , the light of the low windows . Nothing was clear about them but that they were precious , and they brushed [his]_82-strether ignorance with [their]_971-their contempt as a flower , in a liberty taken with [him]_82-strether , might have been whisked under [his]_82-strether nose . But after a full look at [his]_82-strether hostess [he]_82-strether knew none the less what most concerned [him]_82-strether . The circle in which [they]_971-their stood together was warm with life , and every question between [them]_971-their would live there as nowhere else . A question came up as soon as [they]_971-their had spoken , for [his]_82-strether answer , with a laugh , was quickly : " Well , [they]_971-their 've got hold of [me]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} Much of [their]_971-their talk on this first occasion was [his]_82-strether development of that truth . [He]_82-strether was extraordinarily glad to see [her]_977-she , expressing to [her]_977-she frankly what [she]_977-she most showed [him]_82-strether , that [one]_2797-one might live for years without a blessing unsuspected , but that to know it at last for no more than three days was to need it or miss it for ever . [She]_977-she was the blessing that had now become [his]_82-strether need , and what could prove it better than that without [her]_977-she [he]_82-strether had lost [himself]_82-strether ? " What do [you]_82-strether mean ? "_[977-she] [she]_977-she asked with an absence of alarm that , correcting [him]_82-strether as if [he]_82-strether had mistaken the " period "_[977-she] of one of [her]_977-she pieces , gave [him]_82-strether afresh a sense of [her]_977-she easy movement through the maze [he]_82-strether had but begun to tread . " What in the name of all [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} have [you]_82-strether managed to do ? "_[977-she] " Why exactly the wrong thing . [I]_977-she 've made [a frantic friend of [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham}]_{3106-a frantic friend of little bilham} . "_[977-she] " Ah that sort of thing was of the essence of [your]_82-strether case and to have been allowed for from the first . "_[977-she] And it was only after this that , quite as a minor matter , [she]_977-she asked who in [the world]_{2804-the world} [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} might be . When [she]_977-she learned that [he]_{83-little bilham} was [a friend of [Chad]_111-chad 's and living for the time in [[Chad]_111-chad 's rooms]_{3070-chad 's rooms}]_{980-a friend of chad 's and living for the time in chad 's rooms} in [Chad]_111-chad 's absence , quite as if acting in [Chad]_111-chad 's spirit and serving [Chad]_111-chad 's cause , [she]_977-she showed , however , more interest . " Should [you]_82-strether mind [my]_977-she seeing [him]_{83-little bilham} ? Only once , [you]_82-strether know , "_[977-she] [she]_977-she added . " Oh the oftener the better : [he]_{83-little bilham} 's amusing - [he]_{83-little bilham} 's original . "_[977-she] " [He]_{83-little bilham} does n't shock [you]_82-strether ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} threw out . " Never in [the world]_{2804-the world} ! [We]_3108-we escape that with a perfection - ! [I]_{99-miss gostrey} feel it to be largely , no doubt , because [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't half - understand [him]_{83-little bilham} ; but [our]_3108-we modus vivendi is n't spoiled even by that . [You]_82-strether must dine with [me]_{99-miss gostrey} to meet [him]_{83-little bilham} , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether went on . " Then [you]_82-strether 'll see . ' "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Are [you]_82-strether giving dinners ? " "_{[82-strether]} Yes - there [I]_0-i am . That 's what [I]_0-i mean . " All [her]_0-i kindness wondered . "_[0-i] That [you]_82-strether 're spending too much money ? " "_{[82-strether]} Dear no - they seem to cost so little . But that [I]_0-i do it to [THEM]_982-them . [I]_0-i ought to hold off . " [She]_0-i thought again - [she]_0-i laughed . "_[0-i] The money [you]_82-strether must be spending to think it cheap ! But [I]_0-i must be out of it - to the naked eye . " [He]_82-strether looked for a moment as if [she]_0-i were really failing [him]_82-strether . "_[0-i] Then [you]_82-strether wo n't meet [them]_982-them ? " It was almost as if [she]_0-i had developed an unexpected personal prudence . [She]_0-i hesitated . "_{[82-strether]} Who are [they]_982-them - first ? " "_{[83-little bilham]} Why [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} to begin with . " [He]_82-strether kept back for the moment [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} . "_{[83-little bilham]} And [Chad]_111-chad - when [he]_111-chad comes - [you]_82-strether must absolutely see . " "_[111-chad] When then does [he]_111-chad come ? " "_[111-chad] When [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} has had time to write [him]_111-chad , and hear from [him]_111-chad about [me]_0-i . [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , however , " [he]_82-strether pursued , "_{[83-little bilham]} will report favourably - favourably for [Chad]_111-chad . That will make [him]_111-chad not afraid to come . [I]_0-i want [you]_82-strether the more therefore , [you]_82-strether see , for [my]_0-i bluff . " "_[0-i] Oh [you]_82-strether 'll do [yourself]_82-strether for [your]_82-strether bluff . " [She]_0-i was perfectly easy . "_{[82-strether]} At the rate [you]_82-strether 've gone [I]_0-i 'm quiet . " "_[983-ah] [Ah]_983-ah but [I]_0-i have n't , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] made one protest . " [She]_0-i turned it over . "_[0-i] Have n't [you]_0-i been seeing what there 's to protest about ? " [He]_82-strether let [her]_0-i , with this , however ruefully , have the whole truth . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have n't yet found a single thing . " "_[0-i] Is n't there any one WITH [him]_111-chad then ? " "_[0-i] Of the sort [I]_0-i came out about ? " [Strether]_82-strether took a moment . "_[0-i] How do [I]_0-i know ? And what do [I]_0-i care ? " "_[0-i] Oh oh ! " - and [her]_0-i laughter spread . [He]_82-strether was struck in fact by the effect on [her]_0-i of [his]_82-strether joke . [He]_82-strether saw now how [he]_82-strether meant it as a joke . [SHE]_0-i saw , however , still other things , though in an instant [she]_0-i had hidden them . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 've got at no facts at all ? " [He]_82-strether tried to muster them . "_[0-i] Well , [he]_111-chad has [a lovely home]_{984-a lovely home} . " "_[0-i] Ah that , in [Paris]_1-paris , " [she]_0-i quickly returned , "_[0-i] proves nothing . That is rather it DISproves nothing . [They]_985-they may very well , [you]_0-i see , [the people [your]_0-i mission]_{986-the people your mission} is concerned with , have done it FOR [him]_111-chad . " "_[985-they] Exactly . And it was on the scene of [their]_985-they doings then that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh and [I]_0-i sat guzzling . " "_[0-i] Oh if [you]_0-i forbore to guzzle here on scenes of doings , " [she]_0-i replied , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i might easily die of starvation . " With which [she]_0-i smiled at [him]_111-chad . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 've worse before [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Ah [I]_0-i 've EVERYTHING before [me]_0-i . But on [our]_987-our hypothesis , [you]_0-i know , [they]_985-they must be wonderful . " "_[985-they] [They]_985-they ARE ! " said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[985-they] [You]_0-i 're not therefore , [you]_0-i see , " [she]_0-i added , "_[0-i] wholly without facts . [They]_985-they 've BEEN , in effect , wonderful . " To have got at something comparatively definite appeared at last a little to help - a wave by which moreover , the next moment , recollection was washed . "_[985-they] [[My]_0-i young man]_{988-my young man} does admit furthermore that [they]_985-they 're [[our]_987-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's great interest . " "_{[988-my young man]} Is that the expression [he]_{988-my young man} uses ? " [Strether]_82-strether more exactly recalled . "_{[988-my young man]} No - not quite . " "_{[988-my young man]} Something more vivid ? Less ? " [He]_82-strether had bent , with neared glasses , over a group of articles on a small stand ; and at this [he]_82-strether came up . "_{[988-my young man]} It was a mere allusion , but , on the lookout as [I]_0-i was , it struck [me]_0-i . ' Awful , [you]_0-i know , as [Chad]_111-chad is ' - those were [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's words . " "_{[83-little bilham]} ' Awful , [you]_0-i know ' - ? Oh ! " - and [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} turned [them]_985-they over . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} seemed , however , satisfied . "_{[83-little bilham]} Well , what more do [you]_0-i want ? " [He]_82-strether glanced once more at [a bibelot or two]_{3109-a bibelot or two} , and everything sent [him]_82-strether back . "_[990-they] But it is all the same as if [they]_990-they wished to let [me]_0-i have it between the eyes . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} wondered . "_[990-they] Quoi donc ? " "_[990-they] Why what [I]_0-i speak of . The amenity . [They]_990-they can stun [you]_0-i with that as well as with anything else . " "_[990-they] Oh , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} answered , "_[990-they] [you]_0-i 'll come round ! [I]_0-i must see them each , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} went on , "_[0-i] for [myself]_0-i . [I]_0-i mean [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} and [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} - [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} naturally first . Once only - once for each ; that will do . But face to face - for half an hour . What 's [Mr. Chad]_111-chad , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} immediately pursued , "_[111-chad] doing at [Cannes]_28-cannes ? [Decent men]_{991-decent men} do n't go to [Cannes]_28-cannes with the - well , with the kind of [ladies]_992-ladies [you]_0-i mean . " "_{[991-decent men]} Do n't [they]_{991-decent men} ? " [Strether]_82-strether asked with an interest in [decent men]_{991-decent men} that amused [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_{[991-decent men]} No , elsewhere , but not to [Cannes]_28-cannes . [Cannes]_28-cannes is different . [Cannes]_28-cannes is better . [Cannes]_28-cannes is best . [I]_0-i mean it 's all people [you]_0-i know - when [you]_0-i do know [them]_993-them . And if [HE]_{83-little bilham} does , why that 's different too . [He]_{83-little bilham} must have gone alone . [She]_994-she ca n't be with [him]_{83-little bilham} . " "_[994-she] [I]_0-i have n't , " [Strether]_82-strether confessed in [his]_82-strether weakness , "_[994-she] the least idea . " There seemed much in what [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said , but [he]_82-strether was able after a little to help [her]_{99-miss gostrey} to a nearer impression . The meeting with [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} took place , by easy arrangement , in [the great gallery of [the Louvre]_{29-the louvre}]_{3111-the great gallery of the louvre} ; and when , standing with [[his]_82-strether fellow visitor]_{3112-his fellow visitor} before [one of [the splendid Titians]_{3114-the splendid titians}]_{3113-one of the splendid titians} - the overwhelming portrait of [the young man with the strangely - shaped glove and the blue - grey eyes]_{3115-the young man with the strangely - shaped glove and the blue - grey eyes} - [he]_82-strether turned to see [the third member of [their]_3117-their party]_{2965-the third member of their party} advance from the end of the waxed and gilded vista , [he]_82-strether had a sense of having at last taken hold . [He]_82-strether had agreed with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} - it dated even from [Chester]_3-chester - for a morning at [the Louvre]_{29-the louvre} , and [he]_82-strether had embraced independently the same idea as thrown out by [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , whom [he]_82-strether had already accompanied to [the museum of [the Luxembourg]_{3119-the luxembourg}]_{3118-the museum of the luxembourg} . The fusion of these schemes presented no difficulty , and it was to strike [him]_82-strether again that in [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's company contrarieties in general dropped . "_[994-she] Oh [he]_995-he 's all right - [he]_995-he 's [one of [US]_997-they]_{996-one of us} ! " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , after the first exchange , soon found a chance to murmur to [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} companion]_{328-her companion} ; and [Strether]_82-strether , as [they]_997-they proceeded and paused and while a quick unanimity between [the two]_{2959-the two} appeared to have phrased itself in half a dozen remarks - [Strether]_82-strether knew that [he]_82-strether knew almost immediately what [she]_{99-miss gostrey} meant , and took it as still another sign that [he]_82-strether had got [his]_82-strether job in hand . This was the more grateful to [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether could think of the intelligence now serving [him]_82-strether as an acquisition positively new . [He]_82-strether would n't have known even the day before what [she]_{99-miss gostrey} meant - that is if [she]_{99-miss gostrey} meant , what [he]_82-strether assumed , that [they]_997-they were [intense Americans]_{3122-intense americans} together . [He]_82-strether had just worked round - and with a sharper turn of the screw than any yet - to the conception of [an American]_{624-an american} intense as [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} was intense . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} was [his]_82-strether first specimen ; the specimen had profoundly perplexed [him]_82-strether ; at present however there was light . It was by [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's amazing serenity that [he]_82-strether had at first been affected , but [he]_82-strether had inevitably , in [his]_82-strether circumspection , felt it as the trail of the serpent , the corruption , as [he]_82-strether might conveniently have said , of [Europe]_6-europe ; whereas the promptness with which it came up for [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} but as a special little form of the oldest thing [they]_997-they knew justified it at once to [his]_82-strether own vision as well . [He]_82-strether wanted to be able to like [his]_82-strether specimen with a clear good conscience , and this fully permitted it . What had muddled [him]_82-strether was precisely [the small artist - man]_{3125-the small artist - man} 's way - it was so complete - of being more American than [anybody]_3126-anybody . But it now for the time put [Strether]_82-strether vastly at [his]_82-strether ease to have this view of a new way . [The amiable youth]_{3127-the amiable youth} then looked out , as it had first struck [Strether]_82-strether , at a world in respect to which [he]_82-strether had n't a prejudice . The one [[our]_3128-our friend]_{235-our friend} most instantly missed was the usual one in favour of an occupation accepted . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had an occupation , but it was only an occupation declined ; and it was by [his]_{83-little bilham} general exemption from alarm , anxiety or remorse on this score that the impression of [his]_{83-little bilham} serenity was made . [He]_{83-little bilham} had come out to [Paris]_1-paris to paint - to fathom , that is , at large , that mystery ; but study had been fatal to [him]_{83-little bilham} so far as anything COULD be fatal , and [his]_{83-little bilham} productive power faltered in proportion as [his]_{83-little bilham} knowledge grew . [Strether]_82-strether had gathered from [him]_{83-little bilham} that at the moment of [his]_82-strether finding [him]_{83-little bilham} in [[Chad]_111-chad 's rooms]_{3070-chad 's rooms} [he]_{83-little bilham} had n't saved from [his]_{83-little bilham} shipwreck a scrap of anything but [his]_{83-little bilham} beautiful intelligence and [his]_{83-little bilham} confirmed habit of [Paris]_1-paris . [He]_82-strether referred to these things with an equal fond familiarity , and it was sufficiently clear that , as an outfit , [they]_3131-they still served [him]_82-strether . [They]_3131-they were charming to [Strether]_82-strether through the hour spent at [the Louvre]_{3132-the louvre} , where indeed [they]_3131-they figured for [him]_82-strether as an unseparated part of the charged iridescent air , the glamour of the name , the splendour of the space , the colour of [the masters]_{3133-the masters} . Yet [they]_3131-they were present too wherever [the young man]_{2833-the young man} led , and the day after the visit to [the Louvre]_{3132-the louvre} [they]_3131-they hung , in a different walk , about the steps of [[our]_3136-our party]_{3137-our party} . [He]_82-strether had invited [[his]_82-strether companions]_{541-his companions} to cross [the river]_{720-the river} with [him]_82-strether , offering to show [them]_{541-his companions} [[his]_82-strether own poor place]_{3140-his own poor place} ; and [[his]_82-strether own poor place]_{3140-his own poor place} , which was very poor , gave to [his]_82-strether idiosyncrasies , for [Strether]_82-strether - the small sublime indifference and independences that had struck the latter as fresh - an odd and engaging dignity . [He]_82-strether lived at the end of [an alley]_{3142-an alley} that went out of [an old short cobbled street]_{3143-an old short cobbled street} , [a street that went in turn out of [a new long smooth avenue]_{3145-a new long smooth avenue} - street and [avenue]_3146-avenue and [alley]_3147-alley]_{3144-a street that went in turn out of a new long smooth avenue - street and avenue and alley} having , however , in common a sort of social shabbiness ; and [he]_82-strether introduced [them]_{541-his companions} to [the rather cold and blank little studio which [he]_82-strether had lent to [a comrade]_{3149-a comrade} for the term of [his]_82-strether elegant absence]_{3148-the rather cold and blank little studio which he had lent to a comrade for the term of his elegant absence} . [The comrade]_{3150-the comrade} was [another ingenuous compatriot , to whom [he]_82-strether had wired that tea was to await [them]_{541-his companions} "_[995-he] regardless , " and this reckless repast , and [the second ingenuous compatriot]_{3152-the second ingenuous compatriot} , and the faraway makeshift life , with its jokes and its gaps , its delicate daubs and its three or four chairs]_{3151-another ingenuous compatriot , to whom he had wired that tea was to await them " regardless , " and this reckless repast , and the second ingenuous compatriot , and the faraway makeshift life , with its jokes and its gaps , its delicate daubs and its three or four chairs} , its overflow of taste and conviction and its lack of nearly all else - these things wove round the occasion a spell to which [[our]_3153-our hero]_{3154-our hero} unreservedly surrendered . [He]_82-strether liked [the ingenuous compatriots]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} - for [two or three others]_{3156-two or three others} soon gathered ; [he]_82-strether liked the delicate daubs and the free discriminations - involving references indeed , involving enthusiasms and execrations that made [him]_82-strether , as [they]_{541-his companions} said , sit up ; [he]_82-strether liked above all the legend of good - humoured poverty , of mutual accommodation fairly raised to the romantic , that [he]_82-strether soon read into the scene . [The ingenuous compatriots]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} showed a candour , [he]_82-strether thought , surpassing even the candour of [Woollett]_87-woollett ; [they]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} were red - haired and long - legged , [they]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} were quaint and queer and dear and droll ; [they]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} made [the place]_{2826-the place} resound with the vernacular , which [he]_82-strether had never known so marked as when figuring for the chosen language , [he]_82-strether must suppose , of contemporary art . [They]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} twanged with a vengeance the aesthetic lyre - [they]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} drew from it wonderful airs . This aspect of [their]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} life had an admirable innocence ; and [he]_82-strether looked on occasion at [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie to see to what extent that element reached [her]_97-mamie . [She]_97-mamie gave [him]_82-strether however for the hour , as [she]_97-mamie had given [him]_82-strether the previous day , no further sign than to show how [she]_97-mamie dealt with [boys]_3159-boys ; meeting [them]_3159-boys with the air of old Parisian practice that [she]_97-mamie had for every one , for everything , in turn . Wonderful about the delicate daubs , masterful about the way to make tea , trustful about the legs of chairs and familiarly reminiscent of those , in the other time , [the named]_{3160-the named} , [the numbered]_{3161-the numbered} or the caricatured , who had flourished or failed , disappeared or arrived , [she]_97-mamie had accepted with the best grace [her]_97-mamie second course of [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , and had said to [Strether]_82-strether , the previous afternoon on [his]_82-strether leaving [them]_{3155-the ingenuous compatriots} , that , since [her]_97-mamie impression was to be renewed , [she]_97-mamie would reserve judgement till after the new evidence . The new evidence was to come , as it proved , in a day or two . [He]_82-strether soon had from [Maria]_97-mamie a message to the effect that an excellent box at [the Francais]_{30-the francais} had been lent [her]_97-mamie for the following night ; it seeming on such occasions not the least of [her]_97-mamie merits that [she]_97-mamie was subject to such approaches . The sense of how [she]_97-mamie was always paying for something in advance was equalled on [Strether]_82-strether 's part only by the sense of how [she]_97-mamie was always being paid ; all of which made for [his]_82-strether consciousness , in the larger air , of a lively bustling traffic , the exchange of such values as were not for [him]_82-strether to handle . [She]_97-mamie hated , [he]_82-strether knew , at the French play , anything but a box - just as [she]_97-mamie hated at the English anything but a stall ; and a box was what [he]_82-strether was already in this phase girding [himself]_82-strether to press upon [her]_97-mamie . But [she]_97-mamie had for that matter [[her]_97-mamie community]_{3162-her community} with [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} : [she]_97-mamie too always , on the great issues , showed as having known in time . It made [her]_97-mamie constantly beforehand with [him]_82-strether and gave [him]_82-strether mainly the chance to ask [himself]_82-strether how on the day of [their]_3163-their settlement [their]_3163-their account would stand . [He]_82-strether endeavoured even now to keep it a little straight by arranging that if [he]_82-strether accepted [her]_97-mamie invitation [she]_97-mamie should dine with [him]_82-strether first ; but the upshot of this scruple was that at eight o'clock on the morrow [he]_82-strether awaited [her]_97-mamie with Waymarsh under the pillared portico . [She]_97-mamie had n't dined with [him]_82-strether , and it was characteristic of [their]_3163-their relation that [she]_97-mamie had made [him]_82-strether embrace [her]_97-mamie refusal without in the least understanding it . [She]_97-mamie ever caused [her]_97-mamie rearrangements to affect [him]_82-strether as [her]_97-mamie tenderest touches . It was on that principle for instance that , giving [him]_82-strether the opportunity to be amiable again to [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , [she]_97-mamie had suggested [his]_82-strether offering [the young man]_{2833-the young man} a seat in [their]_3163-their box . [Strether]_82-strether had dispatched for this purpose a small blue missive to [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{136-the boulevard malesherbes} , but up to the moment of [their]_3163-their passing into [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} [he]_82-strether had received no response to [his]_82-strether message . [He]_82-strether held , however , even after [they]_3163-their had been for some time conveniently seated , that [[their]_3163-their friend , who knew [his]_82-strether way about , would come in at [his]_82-strether own right moment]_{3166-their friend , who knew his way about , would come in at his own right moment} . [His]_82-strether temporary absence moreover seemed , as never yet , to make the right moment for [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [Strether]_82-strether had been waiting till tonight to get back from [her]_97-mamie in some mirrored form [her]_97-mamie impressions and conclusions . [She]_97-mamie had elected , as [they]_3163-their said , to see [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} once ; but now [she]_97-mamie had seen [him]_{83-little bilham} twice and had nevertheless not said more than a word . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh meanwhile sat opposite [him]_{83-little bilham} with [[their]_3163-their hostess]_{3167-their hostess} between ; and [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} spoke of [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} as [an instructor of [youth]_869-youth]_{3168-an instructor of youth} introducing [her]_{99-miss gostrey} little charges to a work that was one of the glories of literature . The glory was happily unobjectionable , and the little charges were candid ; for [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had travelled [that road]_{3170-that road} and [she]_{99-miss gostrey} merely waited on [their]_3163-their innocence . But [she]_{99-miss gostrey} referred in due time to [[their]_3163-their absent friend]_{3171-their absent friend} , whom it was clear [they]_3163-their should have to give up . "_[998-you] [He]_998-you either wo n't have got [your]_998-you note , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said , "_[998-you] or [you]_998-you wo n't have got [his]_998-you : [he]_998-you has had some kind of hindrance , and , of course , for that matter , [you]_998-you know , [a man]_{572-a man} never writes about coming to a box . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} spoke as if , with [her]_{99-miss gostrey} look , it might have been [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh who had written to [the youth]_{804-the youth} , and [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's face showed a mixture of austerity and anguish . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} went on however as if to meet this . "_{[572-a man]} [He]_998-you 's far and away , [you]_998-you know , [the best of [them]_1001-them]_{1000-the best of them} . " "_[998-you] The best of whom , [ma'am]_1002-ma'am ? " "_[998-you] Why of [all the long procession]_{1003-all the long procession} - [the boys]_{1004-the boys} , [the girls]_{1005-the girls} , or [the old men]_{1006-the old men} and [old women]_{1007-old women} as [they]_{1003-all the long procession} sometimes really are ; the hope , as one may say , of [[our]_1008-our country]_{1009-our country} . [They]_{1003-all the long procession} 've all passed , year after year ; but there has been [no one in particular]_{1010-no one in particular} [I]_0-i 've ever wanted to stop . [I]_0-i feel - do n't [YOU]_998-you ? - that [I]_0-i want to stop [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ; [he]_{83-little bilham} 's so exactly right as [he]_{83-little bilham} is . " [She]_0-i continued to talk to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . "_{[83-little bilham]} [He]_{83-little bilham} 's too delightful . If [he]_{83-little bilham} 'll only not spoil it ! But [they]_{1003-all the long procession} always WILL ; [they]_{1003-all the long procession} always do ; [they]_{1003-all the long procession} always have . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't think [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh knows , " [Strether]_82-strether said after a moment , "_{[96-waymarsh]} quite what it 's open to [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} to spoil . " "_{[96-waymarsh]} It ca n't be [a good American]_{1011-a good american} , " [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh lucidly enough replied ; "_{[96-waymarsh]} for it did n't strike [me]_0-i [the young man]_{2833-the young man} had developed much in THAT shape . " "_{[2833-the young man]} Ah , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} sighed , "_{[2833-the young man]} the name of [the good American]_{1013-the good american} is as easily given as taken away ! What IS it , to begin with , to BE one , and what 's the extraordinary hurry ? Surely nothing that 's so pressing was ever so little defined . It 's such an order , really , that before [we]_1014-we cook [you]_1015-you the dish [we]_1014-we must at least have [your]_1015-you receipt . Besides [the poor chicks]_{1016-the poor chicks} have time ! What [I]_0-i 've seen so often spoiled , " [she]_0-i pursued , "_[0-i] is the happy attitude itself , the state of faith and - what shall [I]_0-i call it ? - the sense of beauty . [You]_1015-you 're right about [him]_{83-little bilham} " - [she]_0-i now took in [Strether]_82-strether ; "_{[83-little bilham]} [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} has them to a charm , [we]_1014-we must keep [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} along . " Then [she]_0-i was all again for [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . "_{[83-little bilham]} [The others]_{544-the others} have all wanted so dreadfully to do something , and [they]_{544-the others} 've gone and done it in too many cases indeed . It leaves [them]_{544-the others} never the same afterwards ; the charm 's always somehow broken . Now [HE]_{83-little bilham} , [I]_0-i think , [you]_1015-you know , really wo n't . [He]_{83-little bilham} wo n't do the least dreadful little thing . [We]_1014-we shall continue to enjoy [him]_{83-little bilham} just as [he]_{83-little bilham} is . No - [he]_{83-little bilham} 's quite beautiful . [He]_{83-little bilham} sees everything . [He]_{83-little bilham} is n't a bit ashamed . [He]_{83-little bilham} has every scrap of the courage of it that [one]_2797-one could ask . Only think what [he]_{83-little bilham} MIGHT do . [One]_2797-one wants really - for fear of some accident - to keep [him]_{83-little bilham} in view . At this very moment perhaps what may n't [he]_{83-little bilham} be up to ? [I]_0-i 've had [my]_0-i disappointments - the poor things are never really safe ; or only at least when [you]_1015-you have them under [your]_1015-you eye . [One]_2797-one can never completely trust [them]_1021-them . [One]_137-one 's uneasy , and [I]_0-i think that 's why [I]_0-i most miss [him]_{83-little bilham} now . " [She]_0-i had wound up with a laugh of enjoyment over [her]_0-i embroidery of [her]_0-i idea - an enjoyment that [her]_0-i face communicated to [Strether]_82-strether , who almost wished none the less at this moment that [she]_0-i would let [poor Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh alone . [HE]_82-strether knew more or less what [she]_0-i meant ; but the fact was n't a reason for [her]_0-i not pretending to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh that [he]_82-strether did n't . It was craven of [him]_82-strether perhaps , but [he]_82-strether would , for the high amenity of the occasion , have liked [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh not to be so sure of [his]_82-strether wit . [Her]_0-i recognition of it gave [him]_82-strether away and , before [she]_0-i had done with [him]_82-strether or with that article , would give [him]_82-strether worse . What was [he]_82-strether , all the same , to do ? [He]_82-strether looked across the box at [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} ; [their]_3175-their eyes met ; something queer and stiff , something that bore on the situation but that it was better not to touch , passed in silence between [them]_3175-their . Well , the effect of it for [Strether]_82-strether was an abrupt reaction , a final impatience of [his]_82-strether own tendency to temporise . Where was that taking [him]_82-strether anyway ? It was one of the quiet instants that sometimes settle more matters than the outbreaks dear to [the historic muse]_{3176-the historic muse} . The only qualification of the quietness was the synthetic "_{[83-little bilham]} Oh hang it ! " into which [Strether]_82-strether 's share of the silence soundlessly flowered . It represented , this mute ejaculation , a final impulse to burn [[his]_82-strether ships]_{3177-his ships} . [These ships]_{3178-these ships} , to [the historic muse]_{3176-the historic muse} , may seem of course mere cockles , but when [he]_82-strether presently spoke to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} it was with the sense at least of applying the torch . "_{[83-little bilham]} Is it then a conspiracy ? " "_{[83-little bilham]} Between [the two young men]_{1022-the two young men} ? Well , [I]_0-i do n't pretend to be [a seer]_{1023-a seer} or [a prophetess]_{1024-a prophetess} , " [she]_0-i presently replied ; "_[0-i] but if [I]_0-i 'm simply [a woman of sense]_{1025-a woman of sense} [he]_1026-he 's working for [you]_1027-you to - night . [I]_0-i do n't quite know how - but it 's in [my]_0-i bones . " And [she]_0-i looked at [him]_82-strether at last as if , little material as [she]_0-i yet gave [him]_82-strether , [he]_82-strether 'd really understand . "_[0-i] For an opinion THAT 'S [my]_0-i opinion . [He]_1026-he makes [you]_1027-you out too well not to . " "_[1026-he] Not to work for [me]_0-i to - night ? " [Strether]_82-strether wondered . "_[1026-he] Then [I]_0-i hope [he]_1026-he is n't doing anything very bad . " "_[1028-they] [They]_1028-they 've got [you]_1027-you , " [she]_0-i portentously answered . "_[1028-they] Do [you]_1027-you mean [he]_1026-he IS - ? " "_[1028-they] [They]_1028-they 've got [you]_1027-you , " [she]_0-i merely repeated . Though [she]_0-i disclaimed the prophetic vision [she]_0-i was at this instant the nearest approach [he]_82-strether had ever met to [the priestess of [the oracle]_{3181-the oracle}]_{3180-the priestess of the oracle} . The light was in [her]_0-i eyes . "_[1028-they] [You]_1027-you must face it now . " [He]_82-strether faced it on the spot . "_[1028-they] [They]_1028-they HAD arranged - ? " "_[1028-they] Every move in the game . And [they]_1028-they 've been arranging ever since . [He]_1026-he has had every day [his]_1026-he little telegram from [Cannes]_28-cannes . " It made [Strether]_82-strether open [his]_82-strether eyes . "_[1026-he] Do [you]_1027-you KNOW that ? " "_[1027-you] [I]_0-i do better . [I]_0-i see it . This was , before [I]_0-i met [him]_1026-he , what [I]_0-i wondered whether [I]_0-i WAS to see . But as soon as [I]_0-i met [him]_1026-he [I]_0-i ceased to wonder , and [our]_1029-our second meeting made [me]_0-i sure . [I]_0-i took [him]_1026-he all in . [He]_1026-he was acting - [he]_1026-he is still - on [his]_1026-he daily instructions . " "_[1026-he] So that [Chad]_111-chad has done the whole thing ? " "_[111-chad] Oh no - not the whole . [WE'VE]_1029-our done some of it . [You]_1027-you and [I]_0-i and ' [Europe]_6-europe . ' " "_[1027-you] [Europe]_6-europe - yes , " [Strether]_82-strether mused . "_[1027-you] Dear old [Paris]_1-paris , " [she]_1002-ma'am seemed to explain . But there was more , and , with one of [her]_1002-ma'am turns , [she]_1002-ma'am risked it . "_[1027-you] And [dear old Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . [You]_96-waymarsh , " [she]_1002-ma'am declared , "_{[96-waymarsh]} have been a good bit of it . " [He]_96-waymarsh sat massive . "_{[96-waymarsh]} A good bit of what , [ma'am]_1002-ma'am ? " "_{[96-waymarsh]} Why of the wonderful consciousness of [[our]_1029-our friend]_{235-our friend} here . [You]_96-waymarsh 've helped too in [your]_96-waymarsh way to float [him]_{235-our friend} to where [he]_{235-our friend} is . " "_{[96-waymarsh]} And where the devil IS [he]_{235-our friend} ? " [She]_1002-ma'am passed it on with a laugh . "_{[235-our friend]} Where [the devil]_{1032-the devil} , [Strether]_82-strether , are [you]_82-strether ? " [He]_96-waymarsh spoke as if [he]_96-waymarsh had just been thinking it out . "_{[1032-the devil]} Well , quite already in [Chad]_111-chad 's hands , it would seem . " And [he]_96-waymarsh had had with this another thought . "_{[1032-the devil]} Will that be - just all through [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} - the way [he]_111-chad 's going to work it ? It would be , for [him]_111-chad , [you]_96-waymarsh know , an idea . And [Chad]_111-chad with an idea - ! " "_[111-chad] Well ? " [she]_0-i asked while the image held [him]_96-waymarsh . "_[111-chad] Well , is [Chad]_111-chad - what shall [I]_0-i say ? - monstrous ? " "_[111-chad] Oh as much as [you]_82-strether like ! But the idea [you]_82-strether speak of , " [she]_0-i said , "_{[82-strether]} wo n't have been [his]_111-chad best . [He]_111-chad 'll have a better . It wo n't be all through [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} that [he]_111-chad 'll work it . " This already sounded almost like a hope destroyed . "_[111-chad] Through whom else then ? " "_[111-chad] That 's what [we]_1033-they shall see ! " But quite as [she]_0-i spoke [she]_0-i turned , and [Strether]_82-strether turned ; for the door of the box had opened , with the click of the ouvreuse , from [the lobby]_{669-the lobby} , and [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} , [a stranger to [them]_1033-they]_{3184-a stranger to them} , had come in with a quick step . The door closed behind [him]_96-waymarsh , and , though [their]_1033-they faces showed [him]_96-waymarsh [his]_96-waymarsh mistake , [his]_96-waymarsh air , which was striking , was all good confidence . The curtain had just again arisen , and , in the hush of the general attention , [Strether]_82-strether 's challenge was tacit , as was also the greeting , with a quickly deprecating hand and smile , of [the unannounced visitor]_{3185-the unannounced visitor} . [He]_96-waymarsh discreetly signed that [he]_96-waymarsh would wait , would stand , and these things and [his]_96-waymarsh face , one look from which [she]_0-i had caught , had suddenly worked for [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [She]_0-i fitted to [them]_1033-they all an answer for [Strether]_82-strether 's last question . [The solid stranger]_{3186-the solid stranger} was simply the answer - as [she]_0-i now , turning to [[her]_0-i friend]_{547-her friend} , indicated . [She]_0-i brought it straight out for [him]_96-waymarsh - it presented [the intruder]_{3188-the intruder} . "_[111-chad] Why , through [this gentleman]_{1034-this gentleman} ! " [The gentleman]_{3189-the gentleman} indeed , at the same time , though sounding for [Strether]_82-strether a very short name , did practically as much to explain . [Strether]_82-strether gasped the name back - then only had [he]_82-strether seen [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had said more than [she]_0-i knew . [They]_1033-they were in presence of [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad . [[Our]_1033-they friend]_{235-our friend} was to go over it afterwards again and again - [he]_{235-our friend} was going over it much of the time that [they]_1033-they were together , and [they]_1033-they were together constantly for three or four days : the note had been so strongly struck during that first half - hour that everything happening since was comparatively a minor development . The fact was that [his]_82-strether perception of [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's identity - so absolutely checked for a minute - had been quite one of the sensations that count in life ; [he]_82-strether certainly had never known one that had acted , as [he]_82-strether might have said , with more of a crowded rush . And the rush though both vague and multitudinous , had lasted a long time , protected , as it were , yet at the same time aggravated , by the circumstance of its coinciding with a stretch of decorous silence . [They]_1033-they could n't talk without disturbing [the spectators]_{3192-the spectators} in the part of [the balcony just below [them]_1033-they]_{3193-the balcony just below them} ; and it , for that matter , came to [Strether]_82-strether - being a thing of the sort that did come to [him]_82-strether - that these were the accidents of a high civilisation ; the imposed tribute to propriety , the frequent exposure to conditions , usually brilliant , in which relief has to await its time . Relief was never quite near at hand for [kings]_3194-kings , [queens]_3195-queens , [comedians]_{3196-comedians} and [other such people]_{3197-other such people} , and though [you]_3198-you might be [yourself]_3198-you not exactly one of those , [you]_3198-you could yet , in leading the life of high pressure , guess a little how [they]_1033-they sometimes felt . It was truly the life of high pressure that [Strether]_82-strether had seemed to feel [himself]_82-strether lead while [he]_82-strether sat there , close to [Chad]_111-chad , during the long tension of the act . [He]_82-strether was in presence of a fact that occupied [his]_82-strether whole mind , that occupied for the half - hour [his]_82-strether senses themselves all together ; but [he]_82-strether could n't without inconvenience show anything - which moreover might count really as luck . What [he]_82-strether might have shown , had [he]_82-strether shown at all , was exactly the kind of emotion - the emotion of bewilderment - that [he]_82-strether had proposed to [himself]_82-strether from the first , whatever should occur , to show least . The phenomenon that had suddenly sat down there with [him]_82-strether was a phenomenon of change so complete that [his]_82-strether imagination , which had worked so beforehand , felt itself , in the connexion , without margin or allowance . It had faced every contingency but that [Chad]_111-chad should not BE [Chad]_111-chad , and this was what it now had to face with a mere strained smile and an uncomfortable flush . [He]_82-strether asked [himself]_82-strether if , by any chance , before [he]_82-strether should have in some way to commit [himself]_82-strether , [he]_82-strether might feel [his]_82-strether mind settled to the new vision , might habituate it , so to speak , to the remarkable truth . But oh it was too remarkable , the truth ; for what could be more remarkable than this sharp rupture of an identity ? [You]_3199-you could deal with [a man]_{572-a man} as [himself]_{572-a man} - [you]_3199-you could n't deal with [him]_{572-a man} as [somebody else]_{781-somebody else} . It was a small source of peace moreover to be reduced to wondering how little [he]_{572-a man} might know in such an event what a sum [he]_{572-a man} was setting [you]_3199-you . [He]_{572-a man} could n't absolutely not know , for [you]_3199-you could n't absolutely not let [him]_{572-a man} . It was a CASE then simply , a strong case , as [people]_2824-people nowadays called such things , ' a case of transformation unsurpassed , and the hope was but in the general law that strong cases were liable to control from without . Perhaps [he]_82-strether , [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , was [the only person after all aware of it]_{3203-the only person after all aware of it} . Even [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , with all [her]_{99-miss gostrey} science , would n't be , would [she]_{99-miss gostrey} ? - and [he]_82-strether had never seen any one less aware of anything than [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh as [he]_82-strether glowered at [Chad]_111-chad . The social sightlessness of [[his]_82-strether old friend]_{3204-his old friend} 's survey marked for [him]_82-strether afresh , and almost in an humiliating way , the inevitable limits of direct aid from this source . [He]_82-strether was not certain , however , of not drawing a shade of compensation from the privilege , as yet untasted , of knowing more about something in particular than [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} did . [His]_82-strether situation too was a case , for that matter , and [he]_82-strether was now so interested , quite so privately agog , about it , that [he]_82-strether had already an eye to the fun it would be to open up to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} afterwards . [He]_82-strether derived during [his]_82-strether half - hour no assistance from [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , and just this fact of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} not meeting [his]_82-strether eyes played a little , it must be confessed , into [his]_82-strether predicament . [He]_82-strether had introduced [Chad]_111-chad , in the first minutes , under [his]_82-strether breath , and there was never the primness in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} of [the person]_{628-the person} unacquainted ; but [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had none the less betrayed at first no vision but of the stage , where [she]_{99-miss gostrey} occasionally found a pretext for an appreciative moment that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} invited [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh to share . [The latter 's faculty of participation]_{3206-the latter 's faculty of participation} had never had , all round , such an assault to meet ; the pressure on [him]_82-strether being the sharper for this chosen attitude in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , as [Strether]_82-strether judged it , of isolating , for [their]_3207-their natural intercourse , [Chad]_111-chad and [himself]_82-strether . This intercourse was meanwhile restricted to a frank friendly look from [the young man]_{2833-the young man} , something markedly like a smile , but falling far short of a grin , and to the vivacity of [Strether]_82-strether 's private speculation as to whether [HE]_82-strether carried [himself]_82-strether like [a fool]_{3209-a fool} . [He]_82-strether did n't quite see how [he]_82-strether could so feel as [one]_2797-one without somehow showing as [one]_2797-one . The worst of that question moreover was that [he]_82-strether knew it as a symptom the sense of which annoyed [him]_82-strether . "_{[1034-this gentleman]} If [I]_0-i 'm going to be odiously conscious of how [I]_0-i may strike [the fellow]_{1035-the fellow} , " [he]_82-strether reflected , "_{[1034-this gentleman]} it was so little what [I]_0-i came out for that [I]_0-i may as well stop before [I]_0-i begin . " This sage consideration too , distinctly , seemed to leave untouched the fact that [he]_82-strether WAS going to be conscious . [He]_82-strether was conscious of everything but of what would have served [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether was to know afterwards , in the watches of the night , that nothing would have been more open to [him]_82-strether than after a minute or two to propose to [Chad]_111-chad to seek with [him]_82-strether [the refuge of [the lobby]_{669-the lobby}]_{3212-the refuge of the lobby} . [He]_82-strether had n't only not proposed it , but had lacked even the presence of mind to see it as possible . [He]_82-strether had stuck there like [a schoolboy wishing not to miss a minute of the show]_{3214-a schoolboy wishing not to miss a minute of the show} ; though for that portion of the show then presented [he]_82-strether had n't had an instant 's real attention . [He]_82-strether could n't when the curtain fell have given the slightest account of what had happened . [He]_82-strether had therefore , further , not at that moment acknowledged the amenity added by this acceptance of [his]_82-strether awkwardness to [Chad]_111-chad 's general patience . Had n't [he]_82-strether none the less known at the very time - known it stupidly and without reaction - that [the boy]_{656-the boy} was accepting something ? [He]_82-strether was modestly benevolent , [the boy]_{656-the boy} - that was at least what [he]_82-strether had been capable of the superiority of making out [his]_82-strether chance to be ; and [one]_2797-one had [one]_2797-one 's self literally not had the gumption to get in ahead of [him]_2797-one . If [we]_3219-we should go into all that occupied [[our]_3219-we friend]_{235-our friend} in the watches of the night [we]_3219-we should have to mend [our]_3219-we pen ; but an instance or two may mark for [us]_3219-we the vividness with which [he]_{235-our friend} could remember . [He]_82-strether remembered the two absurdities that , if [his]_82-strether presence of mind HAD failed , were the things that had had most to do with it . [He]_82-strether had never in [his]_82-strether life seen [a young man]_{2991-a young man} come into a box at ten o'clock at night , and would , if challenged on the question in advance , have scarce been ready to pronounce as to different ways of doing so . But it was in spite of this definite to [him]_82-strether that [Chad]_111-chad had had a way that was wonderful : a fact carrying with it an implication that , as one might imagine it , [he]_111-chad knew , [he]_111-chad had learned , how . Here already then were abounding results ; [he]_111-chad had on the spot and without the least trouble of intention taught [Strether]_82-strether that even in so small a thing as that there were different ways . [He]_82-strether had done in the same line still more than this ; had by a mere shake or two of the head made [[his]_82-strether old friend]_{3204-his old friend} observe that the change in [him]_82-strether was perhaps more than anything else , for the eye , a matter of the marked streaks of grey , extraordinary at [his]_82-strether age , in [his]_82-strether thick black hair ; as well as that this new feature was curiously becoming to [him]_82-strether , did something for [him]_82-strether , as characterisation , also even - of all things in [the world]_{2804-the world} - as refinement , that had been a good deal wanted . [Strether]_82-strether felt , however , [he]_82-strether would have had to confess , that it would n't have been easy just now , on this and other counts , in the presence of what had been supplied , to be quite clear as to what had been missed . A reflexion [a candid critic]_{3224-a candid critic} might have made of old , for instance , was that it would have been happier for [the son]_{3225-the son} to look more like [the mother]_{758-the mother} ; but this was a reflexion that at present would never occur . The ground had quite fallen away from it , yet no resemblance whatever to [the mother]_{758-the mother} had supervened . It would have been hard for [a young man]_{2991-a young man} 's face and air to disconnect themselves more completely than [Chad]_111-chad 's at this juncture from any discerned , from any imaginable aspect of [a New England female parent]_{3229-a new england female parent} . That of course was no more than had been on the cards ; but it produced in [Strether]_82-strether none the less one of those frequent phenomena of mental reference with which all judgement in [him]_82-strether was actually beset . Again and again as the days passed [he]_82-strether had had a sense of the pertinence of communicating quickly with [Woollett]_87-woollett - communicating with a quickness with which telegraphy alone would rhyme ; the fruit really of a fine fancy in [him]_82-strether for keeping things straight , for the happy forestalment of error . [No one]_{765-no one} could explain better when needful , nor put more conscience into an account or a report ; which burden of conscience is perhaps exactly the reason why [his]_82-strether heart always sank when the clouds of explanation gathered . [His]_82-strether highest ingenuity was in keeping the sky of life clear of [them]_3231-them . Whether or no [he]_82-strether had a grand idea of the lucid , [he]_82-strether held that nothing ever was in fact - for [any one else]_{3232-any one else} - explained . [One]_2797-one went through the vain motions , but it was mostly a waste of life . A personal relation was a relation only so long as [people]_2824-people either perfectly understood or , better still , did n't care if [they]_2824-people did n't . From the moment [they]_2824-people cared if [they]_2824-people did n't it was living by the sweat of [one]_2797-one 's brow ; and the sweat of one 's brow was just what [one]_2797-one might buy [one]_2797-one 's self off from by keeping the ground free of the wild weed of delusion . It easily grew too fast , and [the Atlantic cable]_{139-the atlantic cable} now alone could race with it . That agency would each day have testified for [him]_82-strether to something that was not what [Woollett]_87-woollett had argued . [He]_82-strether was not at this moment absolutely sure that the effect of the morrow 's - or rather of the night 's - appreciation of the crisis would n't be to determine some brief missive . "_[0-i] Have at last seen [him]_1036-him , but oh dear ! " - some temporary relief of that sort seemed to hover before [him]_82-strether . It hovered somehow as preparing [them]_3231-them all - yet preparing [them]_3231-them for what ? If [he]_82-strether might do so more luminously and cheaply [he]_82-strether would tick out in four words : "_[1036-him] Awfully old - grey hair . " To this particular item in [Chad]_111-chad 's appearance [he]_82-strether constantly , during [their]_3238-their mute half - hour , reverted ; as if so very much more than [he]_82-strether could have said had been involved in it . The most [he]_82-strether could have said would have been : "_[1036-him] If [he]_1036-him 's going to make [me]_0-i feel young - ! " which indeed , however , carried with it quite enough . If [Strether]_82-strether was to feel young , that is , it would be because [Chad]_111-chad was to feel old ; and [an aged and hoary sinner]_{3239-an aged and hoary sinner} had been no part of the scheme . The question of [Chadwick]_110-chadwick 's true time of life was , doubtless , what came up quickest after the adjournment of [the two]_{2959-the two} , when the play was over , to [a cafe in [the Avenue de l'Opera]_{3242-the avenue de l'opera}]_{3241-a cafe in the avenue de l'opera} . [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had in due course been perfect for such a step ; [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had known exactly what [they]_3238-their wanted - to go straight somewhere and talk ; and [Strether]_82-strether had even felt [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had known what [he]_82-strether wished to say and that [he]_82-strether was arranging immediately to begin . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had n't pretended this , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} HAD pretended on the other hand , to have divined [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's wish to extend to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} an independent protection homeward ; but [Strether]_82-strether nevertheless found how , after [he]_82-strether had [Chad]_111-chad opposite to [him]_82-strether at a small table in the brilliant halls that [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} straightway selected , sharply and easily discriminated from [others]_2890-others , it was quite , to [his]_82-strether mind , as if [she]_{99-miss gostrey} heard [him]_82-strether speak ; as if , sitting up , a mile away , in [the little apartment]_{3245-the little apartment} [he]_82-strether knew , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} would listen hard enough to catch . [He]_82-strether found too that [he]_82-strether liked that idea , and [he]_82-strether wished that , by the same token , [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} might have caught as well . For what had above all been determined in [him]_82-strether as a necessity of the first order was not to lose another hour , nor a fraction of one ; was to advance , to overwhelm , with a rush . This was how [he]_82-strether would anticipate - by a night - attack , as might be - any forced maturity that a crammed consciousness of [Paris]_1-paris was likely to take upon itself to assert on behalf of [the boy]_{656-the boy} . [He]_82-strether knew to the full , on what [he]_82-strether had just extracted from [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , [Chad]_111-chad 's marks of alertness ; but they were a reason the more for not dawdling . If [he]_82-strether was [himself]_82-strether moreover to be treated as young [he]_82-strether would n't at all events be so treated before [he]_82-strether should have struck out at least once . [His]_82-strether arms might be pinioned afterwards , but it would have been left on record that [he]_82-strether was fifty . The importance of this [he]_82-strether had indeed begun to feel before [they]_3247-they left [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} ; it had become a wild unrest , urging [him]_82-strether to seize [his]_82-strether chance . [He]_82-strether could scarcely wait for it as [they]_3247-they went ; [he]_82-strether was on the verge of the indecency of bringing up the question in [the street]_{356-the street} ; [he]_82-strether fairly caught [himself]_82-strether going on - so [he]_82-strether afterwards invidiously named it - as if there would be for [him]_82-strether no second chance should the present be lost . Not till , on the purple divan before the perfunctory bock , [he]_82-strether had brought out the words themselves , was [he]_82-strether sure , for that matter , that the present would be saved . Book Fourth [I]_1036-him "_[1036-him] [I]_0-i 've come , [you]_1037-you know , to make [you]_1037-you break with everything , neither more nor less , and take [you]_1037-you straight [home]_2874-home ; so [you]_1037-you 'll be so good as immediately and favourably to consider it ! " - [Strether]_82-strether , face to face with [Chad]_111-chad after the play , had sounded these words almost breathlessly , and with an effect at first positively disconcerting to [himself]_82-strether alone . For [Chad]_111-chad 's receptive attitude was that of [a person who had been gracefully quiet while [the messenger]_{690-the messenger} at last reaching [him]_111-chad has run a mile through the dust]_{3250-a person who had been gracefully quiet while the messenger at last reaching him has run a mile through the dust} . During some seconds after [he]_82-strether had spoken [Strether]_82-strether felt as if [HE]_82-strether had made some such exertion ; [he]_82-strether was not even certain that the perspiration was n't on [his]_82-strether brow . It was the kind of consciousness for which [he]_82-strether had to thank the look that , while the strain lasted , [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's eyes gave [him]_82-strether . They reflected - and the deuce of the thing was that [they]_3253-they reflected really with a sort of shyness of kindness - [his]_111-chad momentarily disordered state ; which fact brought on in its turn for [[our]_3254-our friend]_{235-our friend} the dawn of a fear that [Chad]_111-chad might simply "_[0-i] take it out " - take everything out - in being sorry for [him]_111-chad . Such a fear , any fear , was unpleasant . But everything was unpleasant ; it was odd how everything had suddenly turned so . This however was no reason for letting the least thing go . [Strether]_82-strether had the next minute proceeded as roundly as if with an advantage to follow up . "_[0-i] Of course [I]_0-i 'm [a busybody]_{1039-a busybody} , if [you]_1040-you want to fight the case to the death ; but after all mainly in the sense of having known [you]_1040-you and having given [you]_1040-you such attention as [you]_1040-you kindly permitted when [you]_1040-you were in jackets and knickerbockers . Yes - it was knickerbockers , [I]_0-i 'm [busybody]_{1041-busybody} enough to remember that ; and that [you]_1040-you had , for [your]_1040-you age - [I]_0-i speak of the first far - away time - tremendously stout legs . Well , [we]_1042-we want [you]_1040-you to break . [[Your]_1040-you mother]_{1043-your mother} 's heart 's passionately set upon it , but [she]_{1043-your mother} has above and beyond that excellent arguments and reasons . [I]_0-i 've not put them into [her]_{1043-your mother} head - [I]_0-i need n't remind [you]_1040-you how little [she]_{1043-your mother} 's [a person who needs that]_{1044-a person who needs that} . But they exist - [you]_1040-you must take it from [me]_0-i as [a friend both of [hers]_{1043-your mother} and [yours]_1040-you]_{1045-a friend both of hers and yours} - for [myself]_0-i as well . [I]_0-i did n't invent them , [I]_0-i did n't originally work them out ; but [I]_0-i understand them , [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i can explain them - by which [I]_0-i mean make [you]_1040-you actively do [them]_1046-them justice ; and that 's why [you]_1040-you see [me]_0-i here . [You]_1040-you had better know the worst at once . It 's a question of an immediate rupture and an immediate return . [I]_0-i 've been conceited enough to dream [I]_0-i can sugar that pill . [I]_0-i take at any rate the greatest interest in the question . [I]_0-i took it already before [I]_0-i left [home]_2874-home , and [I]_0-i do n't mind telling [you]_1040-you that , altered as [you]_1040-you are , [I]_0-i take it still more now that [I]_0-i 've seen [you]_1040-you . [You]_1040-you 're older and - [I]_0-i do n't know what to call it ! - more of a handful ; but [you]_1040-you 're by so much the more , [I]_0-i seem to make out , to [our]_1048-they purpose . " "_[0-i] Do [I]_0-i strike [you]_1040-you as improved ? " [Strether]_82-strether was to recall that [Chad]_111-chad had at this point enquired . [He]_82-strether was likewise to recall - and it had to count for some time as [his]_82-strether greatest comfort - that it had been "_[0-i] given " [him]_82-strether , as [they]_1048-they said at [Woollett]_87-woollett , to reply with some presence of mind : "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have n't the least idea . " [He]_82-strether was really for a while to like thinking [he]_82-strether had been positively hard . On the point of conceding that [Chad]_111-chad had improved in appearance , but that to the question of appearance the remark must be confined , [he]_82-strether checked even that compromise and left [his]_82-strether reservation bare . Not only [his]_82-strether moral , but also , as it were , [his]_82-strether aesthetic sense had a little to pay for this , [Chad]_111-chad being unmistakeably - and was n't it a matter of the confounded grey hair again ? - handsomer than [he]_111-chad had ever promised . That however fell in perfectly with what [Strether]_82-strether had said . [They]_1048-they had no desire to keep down [his]_82-strether proper expansion , and [he]_82-strether would n't be less to [their]_1048-they purpose for not looking , as [he]_82-strether had too often done of old , only bold and wild . There was indeed a signal particular in which [he]_82-strether would distinctly be more so . [Strether]_82-strether did n't , as [he]_82-strether talked , absolutely follow [himself]_82-strether ; [he]_82-strether only knew [he]_82-strether was clutching [his]_82-strether thread and that [he]_82-strether held it from moment to moment a little tighter ; [his]_82-strether mere uninterruptedness during the few minutes helped [him]_82-strether to do that . [He]_82-strether had frequently for a month , turned over what [he]_82-strether should say on this very occasion , and [he]_82-strether seemed at last to have said nothing [he]_82-strether had thought of - everything was so totally different . But in spite of all [he]_82-strether had put the flag at the window . This was what [he]_82-strether had done , and there was a minute during which [he]_82-strether affected [himself]_82-strether as having shaken it hard , flapped it with a mighty flutter , straight in front of [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's nose . It gave [him]_82-strether really almost the sense of having already acted [his]_82-strether part . The momentary relief - as if from the knowledge that nothing of THAT at least could be undone - sprang from a particular cause , the cause that had flashed into operation , in [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's box , with direct apprehension , with amazed recognition , and that had been concerned since then in every throb of [his]_82-strether consciousness . What it came to was that with an absolutely new quantity to deal with [one]_2797-one simply could n't know . The new quantity was represented by the fact that [Chad]_111-chad had been made over . That was all ; whatever it was it was everything . [Strether]_82-strether had never seen the thing so done before - it was perhaps a speciality of [Paris]_1-paris . If [one]_2797-one had been present at the process one might little by little have mastered the result ; but [he]_82-strether was face to face , as matters stood , with the finished business . It had freely been noted for [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether might be received as a dog among skittles , but that was on the basis of the old quantity . [He]_82-strether had originally thought of lines and tones as things to be taken , but these possibilities had now quite melted away . There was no computing at all what [the young man]_{2833-the young man} before [him]_82-strether would think or feel or say on any subject whatever . This intelligence [Strether]_82-strether had afterwards , to account for [his]_82-strether nervousness , reconstituted as [he]_82-strether might , just as [he]_82-strether had also reconstituted the promptness with which [Chad]_111-chad had corrected [his]_82-strether uncertainty . An extraordinarily short time had been required for the correction , and there had ceased to be anything negative in [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's face and air as soon as it was made . "_[0-i] [Your]_1049-you engagement to [[my]_0-i mother]_{1050-my mother} has become then what [they]_1051-they call here a fait accompli ? " - it had consisted , the determinant touch , in nothing more than that . Well , that was enough , [Strether]_82-strether had felt while [his]_82-strether answer hung fire . [He]_82-strether had felt at the same time , however , that nothing could less become [him]_82-strether than that it should hang fire too long . "_[1051-they] Yes , " [he]_82-strether said brightly , "_[1051-they] it was on the happy settlement of the question that [I]_0-i started . [You]_1049-you see therefore to what tune [I]_0-i 'm in [[your]_1049-you family]_{1052-your family} . Moreover , " [he]_82-strether added , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've been supposing [you]_1049-you 'd suppose it . " "_[1049-you] Oh [I]_0-i 've been supposing it for a long time , and what [you]_1049-you tell [me]_0-i helps [me]_0-i to understand that [you]_1049-you should want to do something . To do something , [I]_0-i mean , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_[0-i] to commemorate an event so - what do [they]_1053-they call it ? - so auspicious . [I]_0-i see [you]_1049-you make out , and not unnaturally , " [he]_111-chad continued , "_[1049-you] that bringing [me]_0-i [home]_2874-home in triumph as a sort of wedding - present to [Mother]_141-mother would commemorate it better than anything else . [You]_1049-you want to make a bonfire in fact , " [he]_111-chad laughed , "_[1049-you] and [you]_1049-you pitch [me]_0-i on . Thank [you]_1049-you , thank [you]_1049-you ! " [he]_111-chad laughed again . [He]_111-chad was altogether easy about it , and this made [Strether]_82-strether now see how at bottom , and in spite of the shade of shyness that really cost [him]_111-chad nothing , [he]_111-chad had from the first moment been easy about everything . The shade of shyness was mere good taste . [People with manners formed]_{3261-people with manners formed} could apparently have , as one of [their]_{3261-people with manners formed} best cards , the shade of shyness too . [He]_111-chad had leaned a little forward to speak ; [his]_111-chad elbows were on the table ; and the inscrutable new face that [he]_111-chad had got somewhere and somehow was brought by the movement nearer to [[his]_111-chad critics]_{3262-his critics} There was a fascination for that critic in its not being , this ripe physiognomy , the face that , under observation at least , [he]_111-chad had originally carried away from [Woollett]_87-woollett . [Strether]_82-strether found a certain freedom on [his]_82-strether own side in defining it as that of [a man of [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{3263-a man of the world} - a formula that indeed seemed to come now in some degree to [his]_111-chad relief ; that of [a man to whom things had happened and were variously known]_{3265-a man to whom things had happened and were variously known} . In gleams , in glances , the past did perhaps peep out of it ; but such lights were faint and instantly merged . [Chad]_111-chad was brown and thick and strong , and of old [Chad]_111-chad had been rough . Was all the difference therefore that [he]_111-chad was actually smooth ? Possibly ; for that [he]_111-chad WAS smooth was as marked as in the taste of a sauce or in the rub of a hand . The effect of it was general - it had retouched [his]_111-chad features , drawn them with a cleaner line . It had cleared [his]_111-chad eyes and settled [his]_111-chad colour and polished [his]_111-chad fine square teeth - the main ornament of [his]_111-chad face ; and at the same time that it had given [him]_111-chad a form and a surface , almost a design , it had toned [his]_111-chad voice , established [his]_111-chad accent , encouraged [his]_111-chad smile to more play and [his]_111-chad other motions to less . [He]_111-chad had formerly , with a great deal of action , expressed very little ; and [he]_111-chad now expressed whatever was necessary with almost none at all . It was as if in short [he]_111-chad had really , copious perhaps but shapeless , been put into a firm mould and turned successfully out . The phenomenon - [Strether]_82-strether kept eyeing it as a phenomenon , an eminent case - was marked enough to be touched by the finger . [He]_82-strether finally put [his]_82-strether hand across the table and laid it on [Chad]_111-chad 's arm . "_[1049-you] If [you]_1055-you 'll promise [me]_0-i - here on the spot and giving [me]_0-i [your]_1055-you word of honour - to break straight off , [you]_1055-you 'll make the future the real right thing for [all of [us]_1057-us alike]_{1056-all of us alike} . [You]_1055-you 'll ease off the strain of this decent but none the less acute suspense in which [I]_0-i 've for so many days been waiting for [you]_1055-you , and let [me]_0-i turn in to rest . [I]_0-i shall leave [you]_1055-you with [my]_0-i blessing and go to bed in peace . " [Chad]_111-chad again fell back at this and , [his]_111-chad hands pocketed , settled [himself]_111-chad a little ; in which posture [he]_111-chad looked , though [he]_111-chad rather anxiously smiled , only the more earnest . Then [Strether]_82-strether seemed to see that [he]_111-chad was really nervous , and [he]_82-strether took that as what [he]_82-strether would have called a wholesome sign . The only mark of it hitherto had been [his]_111-chad more than once taking off and putting on [his]_111-chad wide - brimmed crush hat . [He]_82-strether had at this moment made the motion again to remove it , then had only pushed it back , so that it hung informally on [his]_111-chad strong young grizzled crop . It was a touch that gave the note of the familiar - the intimate and the belated - to [their]_3266-their quiet colloquy ; and it was indeed by some such trivial aid that [Strether]_82-strether became aware at the same moment of something else . The observation was at any rate determined in [him]_111-chad by some light too fine to distinguish from so many others , but it was none the less sharply determined . [Chad]_111-chad looked unmistakeably during these instants - well , as [Strether]_82-strether put it to [himself]_111-chad , all [he]_111-chad was worth . [[Our]_3267-our friend]_{235-our friend} had a sudden apprehension of what that would on certain sides be . [He]_{235-our friend} saw [him]_111-chad in a flash as [the young man]_{2833-the young man} marked out by [women]_350-women ; and for a concentrated minute the dignity , the comparative austerity , as [he]_82-strether funnily fancied it , of this character affected [him]_82-strether almost with awe . There was an experience on [[his]_111-chad interlocutor]_{887-his interlocutor} 's part that looked out at [him]_82-strether from under the displaced hat , and that looked out moreover by a force of its own , the deep fact of its quantity and quality , and not through [Chad]_111-chad 's intending bravado or swagger . That was then the way [men]_745-men marked out by [women WERE]_{3273-women were} - and also [the men by whom [the women]_{3275-the women} were doubtless in turn sufficiently distinguished]_{3274-the men by whom the women were doubtless in turn sufficiently distinguished} . It affected [Strether]_82-strether for thirty seconds as a relevant truth , a truth which , however , the next minute , had fallen into its relation . "_[0-i] Ca n't [you]_1058-you imagine there being some questions , " [Chad]_111-chad asked , "_{[1059-a fellow]} that [a fellow]_{1059-a fellow} - however much impressed by [your]_1058-you charming way of stating things - would like to put to [you]_1058-you first ? " "_{[1059-a fellow]} Oh yes - easily . [I]_0-i 'm here to answer everything . [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i can even tell [you]_1058-you things , of the greatest interest to [you]_1058-you , that [you]_1058-you wo n't know enough to ask [me]_0-i . [We]_1060-we 'll take as many days to it as [you]_1058-you like . But [I]_0-i want , " [Strether]_82-strether wound up , "_[1058-you] to go to bed now . " "_[0-i] Really ? " [Chad]_111-chad had spoken in such surprise that [he]_111-chad was amused . "_[0-i] Ca n't [you]_1058-you believe it ? - with what [you]_1058-you put [me]_0-i through ? " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} seemed to consider . "_[1058-you] Oh [I]_0-i have n't put [you]_1058-you through much - yet . " "_[0-i] Do [you]_1058-you mean there 's so much more to come ? " [Strether]_82-strether laughed . "_[1058-you] All the more reason then that [I]_0-i should gird [myself]_0-i . " And as if to mark what [he]_82-strether felt [he]_82-strether could by this time count on [he]_82-strether was already on [his]_82-strether feet . [Chad]_111-chad , still seated , stayed [him]_82-strether , with a hand against [him]_82-strether , as [he]_82-strether passed between [their]_1061-their table and the next . "_[0-i] Oh [we]_1061-their shall get on ! " The tone was , as who should say , everything [Strether]_82-strether could have desired ; and quite as good the expression of face with which [the speaker]_{3277-the speaker} had looked up at [him]_82-strether and kindly held [him]_82-strether . All these things lacked was [their]_3278-their not showing quite so much as the fruit of experience . Yes , experience was what [Chad]_111-chad did play on [him]_82-strether , if [he]_111-chad did n't play any grossness of defiance . Of course experience was in a manner defiance ; but it was n't , at any rate - rather indeed quite the contrary ! - grossness ; which was so much gained . [He]_82-strether fairly grew older , [Strether]_82-strether thought , while [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether so reasoned . Then with [his]_82-strether mature pat of [[his]_82-strether visitor]_{430-his visitor} 's arm [he]_82-strether also got up ; and there had been enough of it all by this time to make [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} feel that something WAS settled . Was n't it settled that [he]_{433-the visitor} had at least the testimony of [Chad]_111-chad 's own belief in a settlement ? [Strether]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether treating [Chad]_111-chad 's profession that [they]_3281-they would get on as a sufficient basis for going to bed . [He]_82-strether had n't nevertheless after this gone to bed directly ; for when [they]_3281-they had again passed out together into the mild bright night a check had virtually sprung from nothing more than a small circumstance which might have acted only as confirming quiescence . There were [people , expressive sound , projected light , still abroad]_{3282-people , expressive sound , projected light , still abroad} , and after [they]_3281-they had taken in for a moment , through everything , [the great clear architectural street]_{3283-the great clear architectural street} , [they]_3281-they turned off in tacit union to [the quarter of [[Strether]_82-strether 's hotel]_{3285-strether 's hotel}]_{3284-the quarter of strether 's hotel} . "_[0-i] Of course , " [Chad]_111-chad here abruptly began , "_[0-i] of course [Mother]_141-mother 's making things out with [you]_1062-you about [me]_0-i has been natural - and of course also [you]_1062-you 've had a good deal to go upon . Still , [you]_1062-you must have filled out . " [He]_82-strether had stopped , leaving [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} to wonder a little what point [he]_82-strether wished to make ; and this it was that enabled [Strether]_82-strether meanwhile to make one . "_[1062-you] Oh [we]_1063-we 've never pretended to go into detail . [We]_1063-we were n't in the least bound to THAT . It was ' filling out ' enough to miss [you]_1062-you as [we]_1063-we did . " But [Chad]_111-chad rather oddly insisted , though under the high lamp at [their]_1063-we corner , where [they]_1063-we paused , [he]_111-chad had at first looked as if touched by [Strether]_82-strether 's allusion to the long sense , at [home]_2874-home , of [his]_82-strether absence . "_[0-i] What [I]_0-i mean is [you]_1062-you must have imagined . " "_[1062-you] Imagined what ? " "_[1062-you] Well - horrors . " It affected [Strether]_82-strether : horrors were so little - superficially at least - in this robust and reasoning image . But [he]_82-strether was none the less there to be veracious . "_[1062-you] Yes , [I]_0-i dare say [we]_1063-we HAVE imagined horrors . But where 's the harm if [we]_1063-we have n't been wrong ? " [Chad]_111-chad raised [his]_111-chad face to the lamp , and it was one of the moments at which [he]_111-chad had , in [his]_111-chad extraordinary way , most [his]_111-chad air of designedly showing [himself]_111-chad . It was as if at these instants [he]_111-chad just presented [himself]_111-chad , [his]_111-chad identity so rounded off , [his]_111-chad palpable presence and [his]_111-chad massive young manhood , as such a link in the chain as might practically amount to a kind of demonstration . It was as if - and how but anomalously ? - [he]_111-chad could n't after all help thinking sufficiently well of these things to let [them]_3288-them go for what they were worth . What could there be in this for [Strether]_82-strether but the hint of some self - respect , some sense of power , oddly perverted ; something latent and beyond access , ominous and perhaps enviable ? The intimation had the next thing , in a flash , taken on a name - a name on which [[our]_1063-we friend]_{235-our friend} seized as [he]_{235-our friend} asked [himself]_{235-our friend} if [he]_{235-our friend} were n't perhaps really dealing with [an irreducible young Pagan]_{3290-an irreducible young pagan} . This description - [he]_{235-our friend} quite jumped at it - had a sound that gratified [his]_{235-our friend} mental ear , so that of a sudden [he]_{235-our friend} had already adopted it . [Pagan]_142-pagan - yes , that was , was n't it ? what [Chad]_111-chad WOULD logically be . It was what [he]_{235-our friend} must be . It was what [he]_{235-our friend} was . The idea was a clue and , instead of darkening the prospect , projected a certain clearness . [Strether]_82-strether made out in this quick ray that [a Pagan]_{3291-a pagan} was perhaps , at the pass [they]_1063-we had come to , the thing most wanted at [Woollett]_87-woollett . [They]_1063-we 'd be able to do with one - a good one ; [he]_82-strether 'd find an opening - yes ; and [Strether]_82-strether 's imagination even now prefigured and accompanied the first appearance there of [the rousing personage]_{3292-the rousing personage} . [He]_82-strether had only the slight discomfort of feeling , as [the young man]_{2833-the young man} turned away from the lamp , that [his]_82-strether thought had in the momentary silence possibly been guessed . "_[1064-you] Well , [I]_0-i 've no doubt , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_[0-i] [you]_1064-you 've come near enough . The details , as [you]_1064-you say , do n't matter . It HAS been generally the case that [I]_0-i 've let [myself]_0-i go . But [I]_0-i 'm coming round - [I]_0-i 'm not so bad now . " With which [they]_1063-we walked on again to [[Strether]_82-strether 's hotel]_{3285-strether 's hotel} . "_[0-i] Do [you]_1064-you mean , " [the latter]_{504-the latter} asked as [they]_1063-we approached the door , "_[1064-you] that there is n't [any woman]_{1065-any woman} with [you]_1064-you now ? " "_[1064-you] But pray what has that to do with it ? " "_[1064-you] Why it 's the whole question . " "_[1064-you] Of [my]_0-i going [home]_2874-home ? " [Chad]_111-chad was clearly surprised . "_[1064-you] Oh not much ! Do [you]_1064-you think that when [I]_0-i want to go [any one]_{2912-any one} will have any power - " "_{[2912-any one]} To keep [you]_1064-you " - [Strether]_82-strether took [him]_1064-you straight up - "_{[2912-any one]} from carrying out [your]_1064-you wish ? Well , [our]_1068-our idea has been that [somebody]_{2913-somebody} has hitherto - or [a good many persons]_{1070-a good many persons} perhaps - kept [you]_1064-you pretty well from ' wanting . ' That 's what - if [you]_1064-you 're in [anybody]_3126-anybody 's hands - may again happen . [You]_1064-you do n't answer [my]_0-i question " - [he]_82-strether kept it up ; "_[1064-you] but if [you]_1064-you are n't in [anybody]_3126-anybody 's hands so much the better . There 's nothing then but what makes for [your]_1064-you going . " [Chad]_111-chad turned this over . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't answer [your]_0-i question ? " [He]_82-strether spoke quite without resenting it . "_[0-i] Well , such questions have always a rather exaggerated side . [One]_2797-one does n't know quite what [you]_1064-you mean by being in [women]_350-women 's ' hands . ' It 's all so vague . One is when [one]_2797-one is n't . [One]_2797-one is n't when [one]_2797-one is . And then one ca n't quite give [people]_2824-people away . " [He]_82-strether seemed kindly to explain . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've NEVER got stuck - so very hard ; and , as against anything at any time really better , [I]_0-i do n't think [I]_0-i 've ever been afraid . " There was something in it that held [Strether]_82-strether to wonder , and this gave [him]_82-strether time to go on . [He]_82-strether broke out as with a more helpful thought . "_[0-i] Do n't [you]_0-i know how [I]_0-i like [Paris]_1-paris [itself]_1-paris ? " The upshot was indeed to make [[our]_1080-our friend]_{235-our friend} marvel . "_[0-i] Oh if THAT 'S all that 's the matter with [you]_0-i - ! " It was [HE]_82-strether who almost showed resentment . [Chad]_111-chad 's smile of a truth more than met it . "_[0-i] But is n't that enough ? " [Strether]_82-strether hesitated , but it came out . "_[0-i] Not enough for [[your]_0-i mother]_{1043-your mother} ! " Spoken , however , it sounded a trifle odd - the effect of which was that [Chad]_111-chad broke into a laugh . [Strether]_82-strether , at this , succumbed as well , though with extreme brevity . "_[0-i] Permit [us]_1080-our to have still [our]_1080-our theory . But if [you]_0-i ARE so free and so strong [you]_0-i 're inexcusable . [I]_0-i 'll write in the morning , " [he]_82-strether added with decision . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll say [I]_0-i 've got [you]_0-i . " This appeared to open for [Chad]_111-chad a new interest . "_[0-i] How often do [you]_0-i write ? " "_[0-i] Oh perpetually . " "_[0-i] And at great length ? " [Strether]_82-strether had become a little impatient . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i hope it 's not found too great . " "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i 'm sure not . And [you]_0-i hear as often ? " Again [Strether]_82-strether paused . "_[0-i] As often as [I]_0-i deserve . " "_[141-mother] [Mother]_141-mother writes , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_[141-mother] a lovely letter . " [Strether]_82-strether , before [the closed porte - cochere]_{3297-the closed porte - cochere} , fixed [him]_111-chad a moment . "_[141-mother] It 's more , [[my]_0-i boy]_{1081-my boy} , than [YOU]_0-i do ! But [our]_1082-our suppositions do n't matter , " [he]_82-strether added , "_[0-i] if [you]_0-i 're actually not entangled . " [Chad]_111-chad 's pride seemed none the less a little touched . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i never WAS that - let [me]_0-i insist . [I]_0-i always had [my]_0-i own way . " With which [he]_82-strether pursued : "_[0-i] And [I]_0-i have it at present . " "_[0-i] Then what are [you]_0-i here for ? What has kept [you]_0-i , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_[0-i] if [you]_0-i HAVE been able to leave ? " It made [Chad]_111-chad , after a stare , throw [himself]_111-chad back . "_[0-i] Do [you]_0-i think [one]_2797-one 's kept only by [women]_350-women ? " [His]_111-chad surprise and [his]_111-chad verbal emphasis rang out so clear in [the still street]_{3298-the still street} that [Strether]_82-strether winced till [he]_82-strether remembered the safety of [their]_1085-they English speech . "_[0-i] Is that , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} demanded , "_[1085-they] what [they]_1085-they think at [Woollett]_87-woollett ? " At the good faith in the question [Strether]_82-strether had changed colour , feeling that , as [he]_82-strether would have said , [he]_82-strether had put [his]_82-strether foot in it . [He]_82-strether had appeared stupidly to misrepresent what [they]_1085-they thought at [Woollett]_87-woollett ; but before [he]_82-strether had time to rectify [Chad]_111-chad again was upon [him]_82-strether . "_[1085-they] [I]_0-i must say then [you]_0-i show a low mind ! " It so fell in , unhappily for [Strether]_82-strether , with that reflexion of [his]_82-strether own prompted in [him]_82-strether by the pleasant air of [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{136-the boulevard malesherbes} , that its disconcerting force was rather unfairly great . It was a dig that , administered by [himself]_82-strether - and administered even to [poor Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} - was no more than salutary ; but administered by [Chad]_111-chad - and quite logically - it came nearer drawing blood . [They]_1085-they HADn't a low mind - nor any approach to one ; yet incontestably [they]_1085-they had worked , and with a certain smugness , on a basis that might be turned against [them]_1085-they . [Chad]_111-chad had at any rate pulled [[his]_111-chad visitor]_{430-his visitor} up ; [he]_111-chad had even pulled up [[his]_111-chad admirable mother]_{3301-his admirable mother} ; [he]_111-chad had absolutely , by a turn of the wrist and a jerk of the far - flung noose , pulled up , in a bunch , [Woollett]_87-woollett browsing in its pride . There was no doubt [Woollett]_87-woollett HAD insisted on [his]_111-chad coarseness ; and what [he]_111-chad at present stood there for in [the sleeping street]_{3302-the sleeping street} was , by [his]_111-chad manner of striking the other note , to make of such insistence a preoccupation compromising to [the insisters]_{3303-the insisters} . It was exactly as if [they]_1085-they had imputed to [him]_111-chad a vulgarity that [he]_111-chad had by a mere gesture caused to fall from [him]_111-chad . The devil of the case was that [Strether]_82-strether felt it , by the same stroke , as falling straight upon [himself]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether had been wondering a minute ago if [the boy]_{656-the boy} were n't [a Pagan]_{3291-a pagan} , and [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether wondering now if [he]_82-strether were n't by chance [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} . It did n't in the least , on the spot , spring up helpfully for [him]_82-strether that [a person]_{3307-a person} could n't at the same time be both . There was nothing at this moment in the air to challenge the combination ; there was everything to give it on the contrary something of a flourish . It struck [Strether]_82-strether into the bargain as doing something to meet the most difficult of the questions ; though perhaps indeed only by substituting another . Would n't it be precisely by having learned to be [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} that [he]_111-chad had mastered the consequent trick of looking so well that [one]_2797-one could scarce speak to [him]_111-chad straight ? But what in [the world]_{2804-the world} was the clue to such a prime producing cause ? There were too many clues then that [Strether]_82-strether still lacked , and these clues to clues were among them . What it accordingly amounted to for [him]_82-strether was that [he]_82-strether had to take full in the face a fresh attribution of ignorance . [He]_82-strether had grown used by this time to reminders , especially from [his]_82-strether own lips , of what [he]_82-strether did n't know ; but [he]_82-strether had borne them because in the first place they were private and because in the second they practically conveyed a tribute . [He]_82-strether did n't know what was bad , and - as [others]_2890-others did n't know how little [he]_82-strether knew it - [he]_82-strether could put up with [his]_82-strether state . But if [he]_82-strether did n't know , in so important a particular , what was good , [Chad]_111-chad at least was now aware [he]_82-strether did n't ; and that , for some reason , affected [[our]_3312-our friend]_{235-our friend} as curiously public . It was in fact an exposed condition that [the young man]_{2833-the young man} left [him]_82-strether in long enough for [him]_82-strether to feel its chill - till [he]_82-strether saw fit , in a word , generously again to cover [him]_82-strether . This last was in truth what [Chad]_111-chad quite gracefully did . But [he]_82-strether did it as with a simple thought that met the whole of the case . "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i 'm all right ! " It was what [Strether]_82-strether had rather bewilderedly to go to bed on . II It really looked true moreover from the way [Chad]_111-chad was to behave after this . [He]_82-strether was full of attentions to [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} 's ambassador ; in spite of which , all the while , [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's other relations rather remarkably contrived to assert [themselves]_{504-the latter} . [Strether]_82-strether 's sittings pen in hand with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} up in [[his]_82-strether own room]_{414-his own room} were broken , yet they were richer ; and they were more than ever interspersed with the hours in which [he]_82-strether reported [himself]_82-strether , in a different fashion , but with scarce less earnestness and fulness , to [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie . Now that , as [he]_82-strether would have expressed it , [he]_82-strether had really something to talk about [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether , in respect to any oddity that might reside for [him]_82-strether in the double connexion , at once more aware and more indifferent . [He]_82-strether had been fine to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} about [[his]_82-strether useful friend]_{3318-his useful friend} , but it had begun to haunt [his]_82-strether imagination that [Chad]_111-chad , taking up again for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} benefit a pen too long disused , might possibly be finer . It would n't at all do , [he]_82-strether saw , that anything should come up for [him]_82-strether at [Chad]_111-chad 's hand but what specifically was to have come ; the greatest divergence from which would be precisely the element of any lubrication of [their]_3319-their intercourse by levity It was accordingly to forestall such an accident that [he]_82-strether frankly put before [the young man]_{2833-the young man} the several facts , just as they had occurred , of [his]_82-strether funny alliance . [He]_82-strether spoke of these facts , pleasantly and obligingly , as "_[0-i] the whole story , " and felt that [he]_82-strether might qualify the alliance as funny if [he]_82-strether remained sufficiently grave about it . [He]_82-strether flattered [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether even exaggerated the wild freedom of [his]_82-strether original encounter with [the wonderful lady]_{3321-the wonderful lady} ; [he]_82-strether was scrupulously definite about the absurd conditions in which [they]_3319-their had made acquaintance - [their]_3319-their having picked each other up almost in [the street]_{356-the street} ; and [he]_82-strether had finest inspiration of all ! a conception of carrying the war into [[the enemy]_{533-the enemy} 's country]_{3324-the enemy 's country} by showing surprise at [the enemy]_{533-the enemy} 's ignorance . [He]_82-strether had always had a notion that this last was the grand style of fighting ; the greater therefore the reason for it , as [he]_82-strether could n't remember that [he]_82-strether had ever before fought in the grand style . [Every one]_{659-every one} , according to this , knew [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} : how came it [Chad]_111-chad did n't know [her]_{99-miss gostrey} ? The difficulty , the impossibility , was really to escape it ; [Strether]_82-strether put on [him]_111-chad , by what [he]_82-strether took for granted , the burden of proof of the contrary . This tone was so far successful as that [Chad]_111-chad quite appeared to recognise [her]_{99-miss gostrey} as a person whose fame had reached [him]_111-chad , but against [his]_111-chad acquaintance with whom much mischance had worked . [He]_111-chad made the point at the same time that [his]_111-chad social relations , such as they could be called , were perhaps not to the extent [Strether]_82-strether supposed with the rising flood of [[their]_3327-their compatriots]_{3328-their compatriots} . [He]_111-chad hinted at [his]_111-chad having more and more given way to a different principle of selection ; the moral of which seemed to be that [he]_111-chad went about little in the "_[0-i] colony . " For the moment certainly [he]_111-chad had quite another interest . It was deep , what [he]_111-chad understood , and [Strether]_82-strether , for [himself]_82-strether , could only so observe it . [He]_82-strether could n't see as yet how deep . Might [he]_111-chad not all too soon ! For there was really too much of [their]_3327-their question that [Chad]_111-chad had already committed [himself]_111-chad to liking . [He]_111-chad liked , to begin with , [[his]_111-chad prospective stepfather]_{3329-his prospective stepfather} ; which was distinctly what had not been on the cards . [His]_{3329-his prospective stepfather} hating [him]_{3329-his prospective stepfather} was the untowardness for which [Strether]_82-strether had been best prepared ; [he]_82-strether had n't expected [the boy]_{656-the boy} 's actual form to give [him]_111-chad more to do than [his]_111-chad imputed . It gave [him]_111-chad more through suggesting that [he]_111-chad must somehow make up to [himself]_111-chad for not being sure [he]_111-chad was sufficiently disagreeable . That had really been present to [him]_111-chad as [his]_111-chad only way to be sure [he]_111-chad was sufficiently thorough . The point was that if [Chad]_111-chad 's tolerance of [his]_111-chad thoroughness were insincere , were but the best of devices for gaining time , it none the less did treat everything as tacitly concluded . That seemed at the end of ten days the upshot of the abundant , the recurrent talk through which [Strether]_82-strether poured into [him]_111-chad all it concerned [him]_111-chad to know , put [him]_111-chad in full possession of facts and figures . Never cutting these colloquies short by a minute , [Chad]_111-chad behaved , looked and spoke as if [he]_111-chad were rather heavily , perhaps even a trifle gloomily , but none the less fundamentally and comfortably free . [He]_111-chad made no crude profession of eagerness to yield , but [he]_111-chad asked the most intelligent questions , probed , at moments , abruptly , even deeper than [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} 's layer of information , justified by these touches the native estimate of [his]_111-chad latent stuff , and had in every way the air of trying to live , reflectively , into the square bright picture . [He]_111-chad walked up and down in front of [this production]_{3332-this production} , sociably took [Strether]_82-strether 's arm at the points at which [he]_111-chad stopped , surveyed it repeatedly from the right and from the left , inclined a critical head to either quarter , and , while [he]_111-chad puffed a still more critical cigarette , animadverted to [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} on this passage and that . [Strether]_82-strether sought relief - there were hours when [he]_82-strether required it - in repeating [himself]_82-strether ; it was in truth not to be blinked that [Chad]_111-chad had a way . The main question as yet was of what it was a way TO . It made vulgar questions no more easy ; but that was unimportant when all questions save those of [his]_111-chad own asking had dropped . That [he]_111-chad was free was answer enough , and it was n't quite ridiculous that this freedom should end by presenting itself as what was difficult to move . [His]_111-chad changed state , [[his]_111-chad lovely home]_{3334-his lovely home} , [his]_111-chad beautiful things , [his]_111-chad easy talk , [his]_111-chad very appetite for [Strether]_82-strether , insatiable and , when all was said , flattering - what were such marked matters all but the notes of [his]_111-chad freedom ? [He]_111-chad had the effect of making a sacrifice of it just in these handsome forms to [[his]_111-chad visitor]_{430-his visitor} ; which was mainly the reason [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} was privately , for the time , a little out of countenance . [Strether]_82-strether was at this period again and again thrown back on a felt need to remodel somehow [his]_82-strether plan . [He]_82-strether fairly caught [himself]_82-strether shooting rueful glances , shy looks of pursuit , toward the embodied influence , [the definite adversary , who had by a stroke of [her]_{430-his visitor} own failed [him]_82-strether and on a fond theory of whose palpable presence [he]_82-strether had , under [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's inspiration]_{3337-the definite adversary , who had by a stroke of her own failed him and on a fond theory of whose palpable presence he had , under mrs. newsome 's inspiration} , altogether proceeded . [He]_82-strether had once or twice , in secret , literally expressed the irritated wish that [SHE]_{88-mrs. newsome} would come out and find [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [He]_82-strether could n't quite yet force it upon [Woollett]_87-woollett that such a career , such a perverted young life , showed after all a certain plausible side , DID in the case before [them]_3338-them flaunt something like an impunity for [the social man]_{3339-the social man} ; but [he]_82-strether could at least treat [himself]_82-strether to the statement that would prepare [him]_82-strether for the sharpest echo . This echo - as distinct over there in the dry thin air as some shrill "_[0-i] heading " above a column of print - seemed to reach [him]_82-strether even as [he]_82-strether wrote . "_[1086-he] [He]_1086-he says there 's [no woman]_{1087-no woman} , " [he]_82-strether could hear [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} report , in capitals almost of newspaper size , to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ; and [he]_82-strether could focus in [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} the response of [the reader of the journal]_{3340-the reader of the journal} . [He]_82-strether could see in [the younger lady]_{3341-the younger lady} 's face the earnestness of [her]_{3341-the younger lady} attention and catch the full scepticism of [her]_{3341-the younger lady} but slightly delayed "_[1086-he] What is there then ? " Just so [he]_82-strether could again as [little miss]_{3342-little miss} [the mother]_{758-the mother} 's clear decision : "_[0-i] There 's plenty of disposition , no doubt , to pretend there is n't . " [Strether]_82-strether had , after posting [his]_82-strether letter , the whole scene out ; and it was a scene during which , coming and going , as befell , [he]_82-strether kept [his]_82-strether eye not least upon [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} . [He]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether fine sense of the conviction [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} would take occasion to reaffirm - a conviction bearing , as [he]_82-strether had from the first deeply divined it to bear , on [Mr. Strether]_82-strether 's essential inaptitude . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} had looked [him]_82-strether in [his]_82-strether conscious eyes even before [he]_82-strether sailed , and that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} did n't believe [HE]_82-strether would find [the woman]_{629-the woman} had been written in [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} book . Had n't [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} at the best but a scant faith in [his]_82-strether ability to find [women]_350-women ? It was n't even as if [he]_82-strether had found [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} mother]_{3347-her mother} - so much more , to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} discrimination , had [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} mother]_{3347-her mother} performed the finding . [[Her]_{113-mrs. pocock} mother]_{3347-her mother} had , in a case [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} private judgement of which remained educative of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's critical sense , found [the man]_{693-the man} . [The man]_{693-the man} owed [his]_{693-the man} unchallenged state , in general , to the fact that [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's discoveries were accepted at [Woollett]_87-woollett ; but [he]_{693-the man} knew in [his]_{693-the man} bones , [[our]_3352-our friend]_{235-our friend} did , how almost irresistibly [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} would now be moved to show what [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} thought of [his]_{693-the man} own . Give [HER]_{113-mrs. pocock} a free hand , would be the moral , and [the woman]_{629-the woman} would soon be found . [His]_{693-the man} impression of [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} after [her]_{99-miss gostrey} introduction to [Chad]_111-chad was meanwhile an impression of [a person]_{3307-a person} almost unnaturally on [her]_{99-miss gostrey} guard . [He]_{693-the man} struck [himself]_{693-the man} as at first unable to extract from [her]_{99-miss gostrey} what [he]_{693-the man} wished ; though indeed OF what [he]_{693-the man} wished at this special juncture [he]_{693-the man} would doubtless have contrived to make but a crude statement . It sifted and settled nothing to put to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , tout betement , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} often said , "_[0-i] Do [you]_1088-you like [him]_1089-him , eh ? " - thanks to [his]_{693-the man} feeling it actually the least of [his]_{693-the man} needs to heap up the evidence in [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's favour . [He]_{693-the man} repeatedly knocked at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} door to let [her]_{99-miss gostrey} have it afresh that [Chad]_111-chad 's case - whatever else of minor interest it might yield - was first and foremost a miracle almost monstrous . It was the alteration of [the entire man]_{3357-the entire man} , and was so signal an instance that nothing else , for [the intelligent observer]_{3358-the intelligent observer} , could - COULD it ? - signify . "_[1088-you] It 's a plot , " [he]_{693-the man} declared - "_[0-i] there 's more in it than meets the eye . " [He]_{693-the man} gave the rein to [his]_{693-the man} fancy . "_[0-i] It 's a plant ! " [His]_{693-the man} fancy seemed to please [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[0-i] Whose then ? " "_[0-i] Well , the party responsible is , [I]_0-i suppose , the fate that waits for one , the dark doom that rides . What [I]_0-i mean is that with such elements one ca n't count . [I]_0-i 've but [[my]_0-i poor individual]_{1090-my poor individual} , [my]_0-i modest human means . It is n't playing the game to turn on the uncanny . All [one]_2797-one 's energy goes to facing it , to tracking it . [One]_2797-one wants , confound it , do n't [you]_1093-you see ? " [he]_{693-the man} confessed with a queer face - "_[2797-one] [one]_2797-one wants to enjoy anything so rare . Call it then life " - [he]_{693-the man} puzzled it out - "_[1093-you] call it poor dear old life simply that springs the surprise . Nothing alters the fact that the surprise is paralysing , or at any rate engrossing - all , practically , hang it , that [one]_2797-one sees , that one CAN see . " [Her]_{99-miss gostrey} silences were never barren , nor even dull . "_[2797-one] Is that what [you]_1093-you 've written [home]_2874-home ? " [He]_{693-the man} tossed it off . "_[1093-you] Oh dear , yes ! " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had another pause while , across [her]_{99-miss gostrey} carpets , [he]_{693-the man} had another walk . "_[1093-you] If [you]_1093-you do n't look out [you]_1093-you 'll have them straight over . " "_[1093-you] Oh but [I]_0-i 've said [he]_1097-he 'll go back . " "_[0-i] And WILL [he]_1097-he ? " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked . The special tone of it made [him]_{693-the man} , pulling up , look at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} long . "_[1097-he] What 's that but just the question [I]_0-i 've spent treasures of patience and ingenuity in giving [you]_1093-you , by the sight of [him]_1097-he - after everything had led up - every facility to answer ? What is it but just the thing [I]_0-i came here to - day to get out of [you]_1093-you ? Will [he]_1097-he ? " "_[1097-he] No - [he]_1097-he wo n't , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said at last . "_[1097-he] [He]_1097-he 's not free . " The air of it held [him]_{693-the man} . "_[1097-he] Then [you]_1093-you 've all the while known - ? " "_[1093-you] [I]_0-i 've known nothing but what [I]_0-i 've seen ; and [I]_0-i wonder , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} declared with some impatience , "_[0-i] that [you]_1097-he did n't see as much . It was enough to be with [him]_1097-he there - " "_[1097-he] In the box ? Yes , " [he]_{693-the man} rather blankly urged . "_[1097-he] Well - to feel sure . " "_[1097-he] Sure of what ? " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} got up from [her]_{99-miss gostrey} chair , at this , with a nearer approach than [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had ever yet shown to dismay at [his]_{693-the man} dimness . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} even , fairly pausing for it , spoke with a shade of pity . "_[1097-he] Guess ! " It was a shade , fairly , that brought a flush into [his]_{693-the man} face ; so that for a moment , as [they]_3359-they waited together , [their]_3359-they difference was between [them]_3359-they . "_[1093-you] [You]_1093-you mean that just [your]_1093-you hour with [him]_1097-he told [you]_1093-you so much of [his]_1097-he story ? Very good ; [I]_0-i 'm not such a fool , on [my]_0-i side , as that [I]_0-i do n't understand [you]_1093-you , or as that [I]_0-i did n't in some degree understand [HIM]_1097-he . That [he]_1097-he has done what [he]_1097-he liked most is n't , among any of [us]_1098-us , a matter the least in dispute . There 's equally little question at this time of day of what it is [he]_1097-he does like most . But [I]_0-i 'm not talking , " [he]_1097-he reasonably explained , "_[0-i] of [any mere wretch]_{1099-any mere wretch} [he]_1097-he may still pick up . [I]_0-i 'm talking of [some person who in [his]_1097-he present situation may have held [her]_1097-he own]_{1100-some person who in his present situation may have held her own} , may really have counted . " "_[1097-he] That 's exactly what [I]_0-i am ! " said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . But [she]_0-i as quickly made [her]_0-i point . "_[1097-he] [I]_0-i thought [you]_1093-you thought - or that [they]_1101-they think at [Woollett]_87-woollett - that that 's what [mere wretches]_{1102-mere wretches} necessarily do . [Mere wretches]_{1102-mere wretches} necessarily DON'T ! " [she]_0-i declared with spirit . "_{[1102-mere wretches]} There must , behind every appearance to the contrary , still be [somebody]_{2913-somebody} - [somebody who 's not a mere wretch]_{1105-somebody who 's not a mere wretch} , since [we]_1106-we accept the miracle . What else but [such a somebody]_{1107-such a somebody} can such a miracle be ? " [He]_1112-you took it in . "_{[1107-such a somebody]} Because the fact itself IS [the woman]_{629-the woman} ? " "_{[3063-a woman]} [A woman]_{3063-a woman} . [Some woman]_{1110-some woman} or other . It 's one of the things that HAVE to be . " "_{[1111-a good woman]} But [you]_1093-you mean then at least a good one . " "_{[1111-a good woman]} [A good woman]_{1111-a good woman} ? " [She]_0-i threw up [her]_0-i arms with a laugh . "_{[1111-a good woman]} [I]_0-i should call [her]_{1111-a good woman} excellent ! " "_{[1111-a good woman]} Then why does [he]_1112-you deny [her]_{1111-a good woman} ? " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} thought a moment . "_[1112-you] Because [she]_{1111-a good woman} 's too good to admit ! Do n't [you]_1112-you see , " [she]_0-i went on , "_{[1111-a good woman]} how [she]_{1111-a good woman} accounts for [him]_1112-you ? " [Strether]_82-strether clearly , more and more , did see ; yet it made [him]_82-strether also see other things . "_{[1111-a good woman]} But is n't what [we]_1113-we want that [he]_1112-you shall account for [HER]_{1111-a good woman} ? " "_[1112-you] Well , [he]_1112-you does . What [you]_1112-you have before [you]_1112-you is [his]_1112-you way . [You]_1112-you must forgive [him]_1112-you if it is n't quite outspoken . In [Paris]_1-paris such debts are tacit . " [Strether]_82-strether could imagine ; but still - ! "_[1112-you] Even when [the woman]_{629-the woman} 's good ? " Again [she]_0-i laughed out . "_[1112-you] Yes , and even when [the man]_{693-the man} is ! There 's always a caution in such cases , " [she]_0-i more seriously explained - "_[1112-you] for what it may seem to show . There 's nothing that 's taken as showing so much here as sudden unnatural goodness . " "_[1112-you] Ah then [you]_1116-you 're speaking now , " [Strether]_82-strether said , "_[1116-you] of [people who are NOT nice]_{1117-people who are not nice} . " "_[1116-you] [I]_0-i delight , " [she]_0-i replied , "_[0-i] in [your]_1112-you classifications . But do [you]_1112-you want [me]_0-i , " [she]_0-i asked , "_[1112-you] to give [you]_1112-you in the matter , on this ground , the wisest advice [I]_0-i 'm capable of ? Do n't consider [her]_{629-the woman} , do n't judge [her]_{629-the woman} at all in [herself]_{629-the woman} . Consider [her]_{629-the woman} and judge [her]_{629-the woman} only in [Chad]_111-chad . " [He]_82-strether had the courage at least of [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's logic . "_[111-chad] Because then [I]_0-i shall like [her]_{629-the woman} ? " [He]_82-strether almost looked , with [his]_82-strether quick imagination as if [he]_82-strether already did , though seeing at once also the full extent of how little it would suit [his]_82-strether book . "_[111-chad] But is that what [I]_0-i came out for ? " [She]_0-i had to confess indeed that it was n't . But there was something else . "_[0-i] Do n't make up [your]_1112-you mind . There are all sorts of things . [You]_1112-you have n't seen [him]_1118-he all . " This on [his]_1118-he side [Strether]_82-strether recognised ; but [his]_1118-he acuteness none the less showed [him]_82-strether the danger . "_[1112-you] Yes , but if the more [I]_0-i see the better [he]_1118-he seems ? " Well , [she]_0-i found something . "_[1118-he] That may be - but [his]_1118-he disavowal of [her]_{629-the woman} is n't , all the same , pure consideration . There 's a hitch . " [She]_0-i made it out . "_[1118-he] It 's the effort to sink [her]_{629-the woman} . " [Strether]_82-strether winced at the image . "_[1118-he] To ' sink ' - ? " "_[1118-he] Well , [I]_0-i mean there 's a struggle , and a part of it is just what [he]_1118-he hides . Take time - that 's the only way not to make some mistake that [you]_1112-you 'll regret . Then [you]_1112-you 'll see . [He]_1118-he does really want to shake [her]_{629-the woman} off . " [[Our]_3361-our friend]_{235-our friend} had by this time so got into the vision that [he]_{235-our friend} almost gasped . "_[1118-he] After all [she]_{629-the woman} has done for [him]_1118-he ? " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} gave [him]_{235-our friend} a look which broke the next moment into a wonderful smile . "_[1118-he] [He]_1118-he 's not so good as [you]_1112-you think ! " [They]_3363-they remained with [him]_{235-our friend} , these words , promising [him]_{235-our friend} , in [their]_3363-they character of warning , considerable help ; but the support [he]_{235-our friend} tried to draw from [them]_3363-they found itself on each renewal of contact with [Chad]_111-chad defeated by something else . What could it be , this disconcerting force , [he]_{235-our friend} asked [himself]_{235-our friend} , but the sense , constantly renewed , that [Chad]_111-chad WAS - quite in fact insisted on being - as good as [he]_{235-our friend} thought ? It seemed somehow as if [he]_{235-our friend} could n't BUT be as good from the moment [he]_{235-our friend} was n't as bad . There was a succession of days at all events when contact with [him]_{235-our friend} - and in its immediate effect , as if it could produce no other - elbowed out of [Strether]_82-strether 's consciousness everything but itself . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} once more pervaded the scene , but [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} became even in a higher degree than [he]_{83-little bilham} had originally been one of the numerous forms of the inclusive relation ; a consequence promoted , to [[our]_3364-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's sense , by two or three incidents with which [we]_3364-our have yet to make acquaintance . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [himself]_96-waymarsh , for the occasion , was drawn into the eddy ; it absolutely , though but temporarily , swallowed [him]_96-waymarsh down , and there were days when [Strether]_82-strether seemed to bump against [him]_96-waymarsh as a sinking swimmer might brush a submarine object . [The fathomless medium]_{3366-the fathomless medium} held [them]_3367-them - [Chad]_111-chad 's manner was [the fathomless medium]_{3366-the fathomless medium} ; and [[our]_3364-our friend]_{235-our friend} felt as if [they]_3367-them passed each other , in [their]_3367-them deep immersion , with the round impersonal eye of silent fish . It was practically produced between [them]_3367-them that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was giving [him]_96-waymarsh then [his]_96-waymarsh chance ; and the shade of discomfort that [Strether]_82-strether drew from the allowance resembled not a little the embarrassment [he]_82-strether had known at [school]_3370-school , as [a boy]_{3371-a boy} , when [members of [[his]_82-strether family]_{2993-his family}]_{3372-members of his family} had been present at exhibitions . [He]_82-strether could perform before [strangers]_{3374-strangers} , but [relatives]_{3375-relatives} were fatal , and it was now as if , comparatively , [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh were [a relative]_{3376-a relative} . [He]_82-strether seemed to hear [him]_96-waymarsh say "_[1118-he] Strike up then ! " and to enjoy a foretaste of conscientious domestic criticism . [He]_82-strether HAD struck up , so far as [he]_82-strether actually could ; [Chad]_111-chad knew by this time in profusion what [he]_82-strether wanted ; and what vulgar violence did [[his]_82-strether fellow]_{3377-his fellow} pilgrim expect of [him]_82-strether when [he]_82-strether had really emptied [his]_82-strether mind ? It went somehow to and fro that what poor [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh meant was "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [you]_1119-you so - that [you]_1119-you 'd lose [your]_1119-you immortal soul ! " but it was also fairly explicit that [Strether]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether own challenge and that , since [they]_3378-they must go to the bottom of things , [he]_82-strether wasted no more virtue in watching [Chad]_111-chad than [Chad]_111-chad wasted in watching [him]_82-strether . [His]_82-strether dip for duty 's sake - where was it worse than [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's own ? For [HE]_82-strether need n't have stopped resisting and refusing , need n't have parleyed , at that rate , with [the foe]_{3379-the foe} . The strolls over [Paris]_1-paris to see something or call somewhere were accordingly inevitable and natural , and the late sessions in the wondrous troisieme , [the lovely home]_{3380-the lovely home} , when [men dropped in and the picture composed more suggestively through the haze of tobacco , of music more or less good and of talk more or less polyglot]_{3381-men dropped in and the picture composed more suggestively through the haze of tobacco , of music more or less good and of talk more or less polyglot} , were on a principle not to be distinguished from that of the mornings and the afternoons . Nothing , [Strether]_82-strether had to recognise as [he]_82-strether leaned back and smoked , could well less resemble a scene of violence than even the liveliest of these occasions . They were occasions of discussion , none the less , and [Strether]_82-strether had never in [his]_82-strether life heard so many opinions on so many subjects . There were opinions at [Woollett]_87-woollett , but only on three or four . The differences were there to match ; if they were doubtless deep , though few , [they]_3378-they were quiet - [they]_3378-they were , as might be said , almost as shy as if [people]_2824-people had been ashamed of [them]_3378-they . [People]_2824-people showed little diffidence about such things , on the other hand , in the Boulevard [Malesherbes]_{32-malesherbes} , and were so far from being ashamed of [them]_3378-they - or indeed of anything else - that [they]_2824-people often seemed to have invented [them]_3378-they to avert those agreements that destroy the taste of talk . [No one]_{765-no one} had ever done that at [Woollett]_87-woollett , though [Strether]_82-strether could remember times when [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had been tempted to it without quite knowing why . [He]_82-strether saw why at present - [he]_82-strether had but wanted to promote intercourse . These , however , were but parenthetic memories , and the turn taken by [his]_82-strether affair on the whole was positively that if [his]_82-strether nerves were on the stretch it was because [he]_82-strether missed violence . When [he]_82-strether asked [himself]_82-strether if [none]_3385-none would then , in connexion with it , ever come at all , [he]_82-strether might almost have passed as wondering how to provoke it . It would be too absurd if such a vision as THAT should have to be invoked for relief ; it was already marked enough as absurd that [he]_82-strether should actually have begun with flutters and dignities on the score of a single accepted meal . What sort of a brute had [he]_82-strether expected [Chad]_111-chad to be , anyway ? - [Strether]_82-strether had occasion to make the enquiry but was careful to make it in private . [He]_82-strether could [himself]_82-strether , comparatively recent as it was - it was truly but the fact of a few days since - focus [his]_82-strether primal crudity ; but [he]_82-strether would on the approach of [an observer]_{3386-an observer} , as if handling an illicit possession , have slipped the reminiscence out of sight . There were echoes of it still in [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's letters , and there were moments when these echoes made [him]_82-strether exclaim on [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} want of tact . [He]_82-strether blushed of course , at once , still more for the explanation than for the ground of it : it came to [him]_82-strether in time to save [his]_82-strether manners that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} could n't at the best become tactful as quickly as [he]_82-strether . [Her]_{88-mrs. newsome} tact had to reckon with [the Atlantic Ocean]_{3387-the atlantic ocean} , [the General Post - Office]_{3388-the general post - office} and [the extravagant curve of [the globe]_{3390-the globe}]_{3389-the extravagant curve of the globe} . [Chad]_111-chad had one day offered tea at [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} to [a chosen few]_{3392-a chosen few} , [a group again including [the unobscured Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace}]_{3393-a group again including the unobscured miss barrace} ; and [Strether]_82-strether had on coming out walked away with the acquaintance whom in [his]_82-strether letters to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [he]_82-strether always spoke of as [the little artist - man]_{3394-the little artist - man} . [He]_82-strether had had full occasion to mention [him]_111-chad as the other party , so oddly , to the only close personal alliance observation had as yet detected in [Chad]_111-chad 's existence . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's way this afternoon was not [Strether]_82-strether 's , but [he]_82-strether had none the less kindly come with [him]_82-strether , and it was somehow a part of [his]_82-strether kindness that as it had sadly begun to rain [they]_3395-they suddenly found [themselves]_3395-they seated for conversation at [a cafe in which [they]_3395-they had taken refuge]_{3396-a cafe in which they had taken refuge} . [He]_82-strether had passed no more crowded hour in [[Chad]_111-chad 's society]_{3397-chad 's society} than the one just ended ; [he]_82-strether had talked with [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , who had reproached [him]_82-strether with not having come to see [her]_{131-miss barrace} , and [he]_82-strether had above all hit on a happy thought for causing [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's tension to relax . Something might possibly be extracted for the latter from the idea of [his]_82-strether success with [that lady]_{3398-that lady} , whose quick apprehension of what might amuse [her]_{131-miss barrace} had given [Strether]_82-strether a free hand . What had [she]_{131-miss barrace} meant if not to ask whether [she]_{131-miss barrace} could n't help [him]_82-strether with [his]_82-strether splendid encumbrance , and might n't the sacred rage at any rate be kept a little in abeyance by thus creating for [[his]_82-strether comrade]_{268-his comrade} 's mind even in a world of irrelevance the possibility of a relation ? What was it but a relation to be regarded as so decorative and , in especial , on the strength of it , to be whirled away , amid flounces and feathers , in [a coupe]_{3400-a coupe} lined , by what [Strether]_82-strether could make out , with dark blue brocade ? [He]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had never been whirled away - never at least in [a coupe]_{3400-a coupe} and behind [a footman]_{3402-a footman} ; [he]_82-strether had driven with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} in [cabs]_3403-cabs , with [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , a few times , in [an open buggy]_{3404-an open buggy} , with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} in [a four - seated cart]_{3405-a four - seated cart} and , occasionally up at [the mountains]_{3406-the mountains} , on a buckboard ; but [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's actual adventure transcended [his]_82-strether personal experience . [He]_82-strether now showed [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} soon enough indeed how inadequate , as [a general monitor , this last queer quantity]_{3409-a general monitor , this last queer quantity} could once more feel itself . "_[0-i] What game under the sun is [he]_1120-he playing ? " [He]_82-strether signified the next moment that [his]_82-strether allusion was not to [the fat gentleman immersed in dominoes on whom [his]_82-strether eyes had begun by resting , but to [their]_3411-their host of the previous hour , as to whom , there on the velvet bench , with a final collapse of all consistency]_{3410-the fat gentleman immersed in dominoes on whom his eyes had begun by resting , but to their host of the previous hour , as to whom , there on the velvet bench , with a final collapse of all consistency} , [he]_82-strether treated [himself]_82-strether to the comfort of indiscretion . "_[1120-he] Where do [you]_1121-you see [him]_1120-he come out ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , in meditation , looked at [him]_1121-you with a kindness almost paternal . "_[1120-he] Do n't [you]_1121-you like it over here ? " [Strether]_82-strether laughed out - for the tone was indeed droll ; [he]_82-strether let [himself]_82-strether go . "_[1121-you] What has that to do with it ? The only thing [I]_0-i 've any business to like is to feel that [I]_0-i 'm moving [him]_1120-he . That 's why [I]_0-i ask [you]_1121-you whether [you]_1121-you believe [I]_0-i AM ? Is the creature " - and [he]_82-strether did [his]_82-strether best to show that [he]_82-strether simply wished to ascertain - "_[1121-you] honest ? " [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} looked responsible , but looked it through a small dim smile . "_[1121-you] What creature do [you]_1121-you mean ? " It was on this that [they]_1122-they did have for a little a mute interchange . "_[1121-you] Is it untrue that [he]_1120-he 's free ? How then , " [Strether]_82-strether asked wondering "_[1120-he] does [he]_1120-he arrange [his]_1120-he life ? " "_[1120-he] Is the creature [you]_1121-you mean [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad ? " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} said . [Strether]_82-strether here , with a rising hope , just thought , "_[111-chad] [We]_1122-they must take one of [them]_1123-them at a time . " But [his]_82-strether coherence lapsed . "_[1123-them] IS there [some woman]_{1110-some woman} ? Of whom [he]_1120-he 's really afraid of course [I]_0-i mean - or who does with [him]_1120-he what [she]_{1110-some woman} likes . " "_{[1110-some woman]} It 's awfully charming of [you]_1121-you , " [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} presently remarked , "_{[1110-some woman]} not to have asked [me]_0-i that before . " "_[1121-you] Oh [I]_0-i 'm not fit for [my]_0-i job ! " The exclamation had escaped [[our]_1122-they friend]_{235-our friend} , but it made [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} more deliberate . "_[1121-you] [Chad]_111-chad 's a rare case ! " [he]_{83-little bilham} luminously observed . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad 's awfully changed , " [he]_{83-little bilham} added . "_[111-chad] Then [you]_1121-you see it too ? " "_[1121-you] The way [he]_111-chad has improved ? Oh yes - [I]_0-i think [every one]_{659-every one} must see it . But [I]_0-i 'm not sure , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , "_[0-i] that [I]_0-i did n't like [him]_111-chad about as well in [his]_111-chad other state . " "_[0-i] Then this IS really a new state altogether ? " "_[0-i] Well , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} after a moment returned , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm not sure [he]_111-chad was really meant by nature to be quite so good . It 's like the new edition of an old book that [one]_2797-one has been fond of - revised and amended , brought up to date , but not quite the thing one knew and loved . However that may be at all events , " [he]_{2833-the young man} pursued , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't think , [you]_1121-you know , that [he]_111-chad 's really playing , as [you]_1121-you call it , any game . [I]_0-i believe [he]_111-chad really wants to go back and take up a career . [He]_111-chad 's capable of one , [you]_1121-you know , that will improve and enlarge [him]_111-chad still more . [He]_111-chad wo n't then , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} continued to remark , "_[111-chad] be [my]_0-i pleasant well - rubbed old - fashioned volume at all . But of course [I]_0-i 'm beastly immoral . [I]_0-i 'm afraid it would be a funny world altogether - a world with things the way [I]_0-i like them . [I]_0-i ought , [I]_0-i dare say , to go [home]_2874-home and go into business [myself]_0-i . Only [I]_0-i 'd simply rather die - simply . And [I]_0-i 've not the least difficulty in making up [my]_0-i mind not to , and in knowing exactly why , and in defending [my]_0-i ground against [all comers]_{1128-all comers} . All the same , " [he]_111-chad wound up , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i assure [you]_1121-you [I]_0-i do n't say a word against it - for [himself]_111-chad , [I]_0-i mean - to [Chad]_111-chad . [I]_0-i seem to see it as much the best thing for [him]_111-chad . [You]_1121-you see [he]_111-chad 's not happy . " "_[0-i] DO [I]_0-i ? " - [Strether]_82-strether stared . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've been supposing [I]_0-i see just the opposite - an extraordinary case of the equilibrium arrived at and assured . " "_[0-i] Oh there 's a lot behind it . " "_[0-i] [Ah]_1129-ah there [you]_0-i are ! " [Strether]_82-strether exclaimed . "_[0-i] That 's just what [I]_0-i want to get at . [You]_1121-you speak of [your]_1121-you familiar volume altered out of recognition . Well , who 's [the editor]_{1130-the editor} ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} looked before [him]_82-strether a minute in silence . "_{[1130-the editor]} [He]_111-chad ought to get married . THAT would do it . And [he]_111-chad wants to . " "_[111-chad] Wants to marry [her]_1131-her ? " Again [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} waited , and , with a sense that [he]_{83-little bilham} had information , [Strether]_82-strether scarce knew what was coming . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad wants to be free . [He]_111-chad is n't used , [you]_0-i see , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} explained in [his]_{2833-the young man} lucid way , "_[111-chad] to being so good . " [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . "_[111-chad] Then [I]_0-i may take it from [you]_0-i that [he]_111-chad IS good ? " [[His]_{2833-the young man} companion]_{388-his companion} matched [his]_{2833-the young man} pause , but making it up with a quiet fulness . "_[0-i] DO take it from [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Well then why is n't [he]_111-chad free ? [He]_111-chad swears to [me]_0-i [he]_111-chad is , but meanwhile does nothing - except of course that [he]_111-chad 's so kind to [me]_0-i - to prove it ; and could n't really act much otherwise if [he]_111-chad were n't . [My]_0-i question to [you]_0-i just now was exactly on this queer impression of [his]_111-chad diplomacy : as if instead of really giving ground [his]_111-chad line were to keep [me]_0-i on [here]_3103-here and set [me]_0-i a bad example . " As the half - hour meanwhile had ebbed [Strether]_82-strether paid [his]_82-strether score , and [the waiter]_{3417-the waiter} was presently in the act of counting out change . [[Our]_3418-they friend]_{235-our friend} pushed back to [him]_82-strether a fraction of it , with which , after an emphatic recognition , [the personage in question]_{3420-the personage in question} retreated . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i give too much , " little [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} permitted [himself]_{83-little bilham} benevolently to observe . "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i always give too much ! " [Strether]_82-strether helplessly sighed . "_[0-i] But [you]_0-i do n't , " [he]_82-strether went on as if to get quickly away from the contemplation of that doom , "_[0-i] answer [my]_0-i question . Why is n't [he]_111-chad free ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had got up as if the transaction with [the waiter]_{3417-the waiter} had been a signal , and had already edged out between the table and the divan . The effect of this was that a minute later [they]_3418-they had quitted [the place]_{2826-the place} , [the gratified waiter]_{3423-the gratified waiter} alert again at the open door . [Strether]_82-strether had found [himself]_82-strether deferring to [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's abruptness as to a hint that [he]_82-strether should be answered as soon as [they]_3418-they were more isolated . This happened when after a few steps in the outer air [they]_3418-they had turned the next comer . There [[our]_3418-they friend]_{235-our friend} had kept it up . "_[0-i] Why is n't [he]_111-chad free if [he]_111-chad 's good ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} looked [him]_82-strether full in the face . "_[0-i] Because it 's a virtuous attachment . " This had settled the question so effectually for the time - that is for the next few days - that it had given [Strether]_82-strether almost a new lease of life . It must be added however that , thanks to [his]_82-strether constant habit of shaking the bottle in which life handed [him]_82-strether the wine of experience , [he]_82-strether presently found the taste of the lees rising as usual into [his]_82-strether draught . [His]_82-strether imagination had in other words already dealt with [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} 's assertion ; of which it had made something that sufficiently came out on the very next occasion of [his]_82-strether seeing [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie . This occasion moreover had been determined promptly by a new circumstance - a circumstance [he]_82-strether was [the last man]_{3427-the last man} to leave [her]_97-mamie for a day in ignorance of . "_[0-i] When [I]_0-i said to [him]_111-chad last night , " [he]_82-strether immediately began , "_[0-i] that without some definite word from [him]_111-chad now that will enable [me]_0-i to speak to [them]_1133-them over there of [[our]_1134-our sailing]_{1135-our sailing} - or at least of [mine]_0-i , giving [them]_1133-them some sort of date - [my]_0-i responsibility becomes uncomfortable and [my]_0-i situation awkward ; when [I]_0-i said that to [him]_111-chad what do [you]_1136-you think was [his]_111-chad reply ? " And then as [she]_1136-you this time gave it up : "_[111-chad] Why that [he]_111-chad has [two particular friends]_{1137-two particular friends} , [two ladies]_{1138-two ladies} , [mother]_1139-mother and [daughter]_{1140-daughter} , about to arrive in [Paris]_1-paris - coming back from an absence ; and that [he]_111-chad wants [me]_0-i so furiously to meet [them]_{1137-two particular friends} , know [them]_{1137-two particular friends} and like [them]_{1137-two particular friends} , that [I]_0-i shall oblige [him]_111-chad by kindly not bringing [our]_1141-our business to a crisis till [he]_111-chad has had a chance to see [them]_{1137-two particular friends} again [himself]_111-chad . Is that , " [Strether]_82-strether enquired , "_{[1142-the people]} the way [he]_111-chad 's going to try to get off ? These are [the people]_{1142-the people} , " [he]_82-strether explained , "_{[1142-the people]} that [he]_111-chad must have gone down to see before [I]_0-i arrived . [They]_{1142-the people} 're [the best friends [he]_111-chad has in [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{1143-the best friends he has in the world} , and [they]_{1142-the people} take more interest than [any one else]_{3232-any one else} in what concerns [him]_111-chad . As [I]_0-i 'm [his]_111-chad next best [he]_111-chad sees a thousand reasons why [we]_1141-our should comfortably meet . [He]_111-chad has n't broached the question sooner because [their]_{1137-two particular friends} return was uncertain - seemed in fact for the present impossible . But [he]_111-chad more than intimates that - if [you]_1146-you can believe it - [their]_{1137-two particular friends} desire to make [my]_0-i acquaintance has had to do with [their]_{1137-two particular friends} surmounting difficulties . " "_{[1137-two particular friends]} [They]_{1137-two particular friends} 're dying to see [you]_0-i ? " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked . "_{[1137-two particular friends]} Dying . Of course , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_{[1142-the people]} [they]_{1142-the people} 're the virtuous attachment . " [He]_82-strether had already told [her]_{99-miss gostrey} about that - had seen [her]_{99-miss gostrey} the day after [his]_82-strether talk with [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ; and [they]_1141-our had then threshed out together the bearing of the revelation . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had helped [him]_82-strether to put into it the logic in which [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had left it slightly deficient [Strether]_82-strether had n't pressed [him]_82-strether as to the object of the preference so unexpectedly described ; feeling in the presence of it , with one of [his]_82-strether irrepressible scruples , a delicacy from which [he]_82-strether had in the quest of the quite other article worked [himself]_82-strether sufficiently free . [He]_82-strether had held off , as on a small principle of pride , from permitting [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} to mention a name ; wishing to make with this the great point that [Chad]_111-chad 's virtuous attachments were none of [his]_82-strether business . [He]_82-strether had wanted from the first not to think too much of [his]_82-strether dignity , but that was no reason for not allowing it any little benefit that might turn up . [He]_82-strether had often enough wondered to what degree [his]_82-strether interference might pass for interested ; so that there was no want of luxury in letting it be seen whenever [he]_82-strether could that [he]_82-strether did n't interfere . That had of course at the same time not deprived [him]_82-strether of the further luxury of much private astonishment ; which however [he]_82-strether had reduced to some order before communicating [his]_82-strether knowledge . When [he]_82-strether had done this at last it was with the remark that , surprised as [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} might , like [himself]_82-strether , at first be , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} would probably agree with [him]_82-strether on reflexion that such an account of the matter did after all fit the confirmed appearances . Nothing certainly , on all the indications , could have been a greater change for [him]_82-strether than a virtuous attachment , and since [they]_3429-they had been in search of the "_{[1142-the people]} word " as [the French]_{143-the french} called it , of that change , [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's announcement - though so long and so oddly delayed - would serve as well as another . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had assured [Strether]_82-strether in fact after a pause that the more [she]_{99-miss gostrey} thought of it the more it did serve ; and yet [her]_{99-miss gostrey} assurance had n't so weighed with [him]_82-strether as that before [they]_3429-they parted [he]_82-strether had n't ventured to challenge [her]_{99-miss gostrey} sincerity . Did n't [she]_{99-miss gostrey} believe the attachment was virtuous ? - [he]_82-strether had made sure of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} again with the aid of that question . The tidings [he]_82-strether brought [her]_{99-miss gostrey} on this second occasion were moreover such as would help [him]_82-strether to make surer still . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} showed at first none the less as only amused . "_[1147-you] [You]_1147-you say there are two ? An attachment to [them]_1148-them both then would , [I]_0-i suppose , almost necessarily be innocent . " [[Our]_3429-they friend]_{235-our friend} took the point , but [he]_{235-our friend} had [his]_{235-our friend} clue . "_[0-i] May n't [he]_1149-he be still in the stage of not quite knowing which of [them]_1148-them , [mother]_1139-mother or [daughter]_{1140-daughter} , [he]_1149-he likes best ? " [She]_{610-the daughter} gave it more thought . "_{[610-the daughter]} Oh it must be [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} - at [his]_1149-he age . " "_{[610-the daughter]} Possibly . Yet what do [we]_1153-we know , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_[1153-we] about [hers]_{610-the daughter} ? [She]_{610-the daughter} may be old enough . " "_{[610-the daughter]} Old enough for what ? " "_{[610-the daughter]} Why to marry [Chad]_111-chad . That may be , [you]_1147-you know , what [they]_1148-them want . And if [Chad]_111-chad wants it too , and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} wants it , and even [we]_1153-we , at a pinch , could do with it - that is if [she]_{610-the daughter} does n't prevent repatriation - why it may be plain sailing yet . " It was always the case for [him]_{114-mr. newsome} in these counsels that each of [his]_{114-mr. newsome} remarks , as it came , seemed to drop into a deeper well . [He]_{114-mr. newsome} had at all events to wait a moment to hear the slight splash of this one . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't see why if [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} wants to marry [the young lady]_{1154-the young lady} [he]_{114-mr. newsome} has n't already done it or has n't been prepared with some statement to [you]_1147-you about it . And if [he]_{114-mr. newsome} both wants to marry [her]_{1154-the young lady} and is on good terms with [them]_1148-them why is n't [he]_{114-mr. newsome} ' free ' ? " [Strether]_82-strether , responsively , wondered indeed . "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Perhaps [the girl]_{1155-the girl} [herself]_{1155-the girl} does n't like [him]_{114-mr. newsome} . " "_{[1155-the girl]} Then why does [he]_{114-mr. newsome} speak of [them]_1148-them to [you]_1147-you as [he]_{114-mr. newsome} does ? " [Strether]_82-strether 's mind echoed the question , but also again met it . "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Perhaps it 's with [the mother]_{758-the mother} [he]_{114-mr. newsome} 's on good terms . " "_{[758-the mother]} As against [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} ? " "_{[758-the mother]} Well , if [she]_{758-the mother} 's trying to persuade [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} to consent to [him]_{114-mr. newsome} , what could make [him]_{114-mr. newsome} like [the mother]_{758-the mother} more ? Only , " [Strether]_82-strether threw out , "_{[758-the mother]} why should n't [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} consent to [him]_{114-mr. newsome} ? " "_{[610-the daughter]} Oh , " said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_{[610-the daughter]} may n't it be that [every one else]_{1161-every one else} is n't quite so struck with [him]_{114-mr. newsome} as [you]_1147-you ? " "_{[1161-every one else]} Does n't regard [him]_{114-mr. newsome} [you]_1147-you mean as such [an ' eligible ' young man]_{1162-an ' eligible ' young man} ? Is that what [I]_0-i 've come to ? " [he]_82-strether audibly and rather gravely sought to know . "_[0-i] However , " [he]_82-strether went on , "_[1147-you] [his]_{114-mr. newsome} marriage is what [[his]_{114-mr. newsome} mother]_{3001-his mother} most desires - that is if it will help . And ought n't ANY marriage to help ? [They]_1164-they must want [him]_{114-mr. newsome} " - [he]_82-strether had already worked it out - "_[1164-they] to be better off . [Almost any girl [he]_{114-mr. newsome} may marry]_{1165-almost any girl he may marry} will have a direct interest in [his]_{114-mr. newsome} taking up [his]_{114-mr. newsome} chances . It wo n't suit [HER]_{1165-almost any girl he may marry} at least that [he]_{114-mr. newsome} shall miss [them]_1164-they . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} cast about . "_{[1165-almost any girl he may marry]} No - [you]_1147-you reason well ! But of course on the other hand there 's always [dear old Woollett]_87-woollett itself . " "_{[87-woollett]} Oh yes , " [he]_82-strether mused - "_{[87-woollett]} there 's always [dear old Woollett itself]_{1166-dear old woollett itself} . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} waited a moment . "_{[1166-dear old woollett itself]} [The young lady]_{1154-the young lady} may n't find [herself]_{1154-the young lady} able to swallow THAT quantity . [She]_{1154-the young lady} may think it 's paying too much ; [she]_{1154-the young lady} may weigh one thing against another . " [Strether]_82-strether , ever restless in such debates , took a vague turn "_{[1154-the young lady]} It will all depend on who [she]_{1154-the young lady} is . That of course - the proved ability to deal with [dear old Woollett]_87-woollett , since [I]_0-i 'm sure [she]_{1154-the young lady} does deal with it - is what makes so strongly for [Mamie]_97-mamie . " "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie ? " [He]_82-strether stopped short , at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} tone , before [her]_{99-miss gostrey} ; then , though seeing that it represented not vagueness , but a momentary embarrassed fulness , let [his]_82-strether exclamation come . "_[97-mamie] [You]_1147-you surely have n't forgotten about [Mamie]_97-mamie ! " "_[1147-you] No , [I]_0-i have n't forgotten about [Mamie]_97-mamie , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} smiled . "_[0-i] There 's no doubt whatever that there 's ever so much to be said for [her]_97-mamie . [Mamie]_97-mamie 's [[MY]_0-i girl]_{1168-my girl} ! " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} roundly declared . [Strether]_82-strether resumed for a minute [his]_82-strether walk . "_[97-mamie] [She]_97-mamie 's really perfectly lovely , [you]_1147-you know . Far prettier than [any girl [I]_0-i 've seen over here yet]_{1169-any girl i 've seen over here yet} . " "_{[1169-any girl i 've seen over here yet]} That 's precisely on what [I]_0-i perhaps most build . " And [she]_{99-miss gostrey} mused a moment in [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} friend]_{547-her friend} 's way . "_{[1169-any girl i 've seen over here yet]} [I]_0-i should positively like to take [her]_97-mamie in hand ! " [He]_82-strether humoured the fancy , though indeed finally to deprecate it . "_[0-i] Oh but do n't , in [your]_1147-you zeal , go over to [her]_97-mamie ! [I]_0-i need [you]_1147-you most and ca n't , [you]_1147-you know , be left . " But [she]_{99-miss gostrey} kept it up . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish [they]_1170-they 'd send [her]_97-mamie out to [me]_0-i ! " "_[1170-they] If [they]_1170-they knew [you]_0-i , " [he]_1147-you returned , "_[1170-they] [they]_1170-they would . " "_[1170-they] [Ah]_1171-ah but do n't [they]_1170-they ? - after all that , as [I]_0-i 've understood [you]_1147-you [you]_1147-you 've told [them]_1170-they about [me]_0-i ? " [He]_1147-you had paused before [her]_0-i again , but [he]_1147-you continued [his]_1147-you course "_[1147-you] [They]_1170-they WILL - before , as [you]_0-i say , [I]_0-i 've done . " Then [he]_1147-you came out with the point [he]_1147-you had wished after all most to make . "_[1170-they] It seems to give away now [his]_1172-he game . This is what [he]_1172-he has been doing - keeping [me]_0-i along for . [He]_1172-he has been waiting for [them]_1170-they . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} drew in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} lips . "_[1172-he] [You]_1147-you see a good deal in it ! " "_[1147-you] [I]_0-i doubt if [I]_0-i see as much as [you]_0-i . Do [you]_0-i pretend , " [he]_1147-you went on , "_[0-i] that [you]_0-i do n't see - ? " "_[0-i] Well , what ? " - [she]_0-i pressed [him]_1147-you as [he]_1147-you paused . "_[0-i] Why that there must be a lot between [them]_1170-they - and that it has been going on from the first ; even from before [I]_0-i came . " [She]_0-i took a minute to answer . "_[0-i] Who are [they]_1170-they then - if it 's so grave ? " "_[1170-they] It may n't be grave - it may be gay . But at any rate it 's marked . Only [I]_0-i do n't know , " [Strether]_82-strether had to confess , "_[1170-they] anything about [them]_1170-they . [Their]_1170-they name for instance was a thing that , after [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's information , [I]_0-i found it a kind of refreshment not to feel obliged to follow up . " "_[0-i] Oh , " [she]_0-i returned , "_[0-i] if [you]_0-i think [you]_0-i 've got off - ! " [Her]_0-i laugh produced in [him]_82-strether a momentary gloom . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't think [I]_0-i 've got off . [I]_0-i only think [I]_0-i 'm breathing for about five minutes . [I]_0-i dare say [I]_0-i SHALL have , at the best , still to get on . " A look , over it all , passed between [them]_1170-they , and the next minute [he]_82-strether had come back to good humour . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't meanwhile take the smallest interest in [their]_1170-they name . " "_[0-i] Nor in [their]_1170-they nationality ? - American , French , English , Polish ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't care the least little ' hang , ' " [he]_82-strether smiled , "_[0-i] for [their]_1170-they nationality . It would be nice if [they]_1170-they 're Polish ! " [he]_82-strether almost immediately added . "_[0-i] Very nice indeed . " The transition kept up [her]_0-i spirits . "_[0-i] So [you]_0-i see [you]_0-i do care . " [He]_82-strether did this contention a modified justice . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i should if [they]_1170-they WERE Polish . Yes , " [he]_82-strether thought - "_{[758-the mother]} there might be joy in THAT . " "_{[758-the mother]} Let [us]_1173-us then hope for it . " But [she]_0-i came after this nearer to the question . "_{[758-the mother]} If [the girl]_{1155-the girl} 's of the right age of course [the mother]_{758-the mother} ca n't be . [I]_0-i mean for the virtuous attachment . If [the girl]_{1155-the girl} 's twenty - and [she]_{1155-the girl} ca n't be less - [the mother]_{758-the mother} must be at least forty . So it puts [the mother]_{758-the mother} out . [SHE]_{1155-the girl} 'S too old for [him]_{758-the mother} . " [Strether]_82-strether , arrested again , considered and demurred . "_{[1155-the girl]} Do [you]_0-i think so ? Do [you]_0-i think [any one]_{2912-any one} would be too old for [him]_{758-the mother} ? [I'M]_0-i eighty , and [I]_0-i 'm too young . But perhaps [the girl]_{1155-the girl} , " [he]_82-strether continued , "_{[1155-the girl]} ISn't twenty . Perhaps [she]_{1155-the girl} 's only ten - but such a little dear that [Chad]_111-chad finds [himself]_111-chad counting [her]_{1155-the girl} in as an attraction of [the acquaintance]_{1181-the acquaintance} . Perhaps [she]_{1155-the girl} 's only five . Perhaps [the mother]_{758-the mother} 's but five - and - twenty - [a charming young widow]_{1183-a charming young widow} . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} entertained the suggestion . "_{[1155-the girl]} [She]_{1155-the girl} IS [a widow]_{1184-a widow} then ? " "_{[1155-the girl]} [I]_0-i have n't the least idea ! " [They]_3432-they once more , in spite of this vagueness , exchanged a look - a look that was perhaps the longest yet . It seemed in fact , the next thing , to require to explain itself ; which it did as it could . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i only feel what [I]_0-i 've told [you]_0-i - that [he]_111-chad has some reason . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's imagination had taken its own flight . "_[111-chad] Perhaps [she]_{1155-the girl} 's NOT [a widow]_{1184-a widow} . " [Strether]_82-strether seemed to accept the possibility with reserve . Still [he]_82-strether accepted it . "_[111-chad] Then that 's why the attachment - if it 's to [her]_{1155-the girl} - is virtuous . " But [she]_{1155-the girl} looked as if [she]_{1155-the girl} scarce followed . "_[111-chad] Why is it virtuous if - since [she]_{1155-the girl} 's free - there 's nothing to impose on it any condition ? " [He]_82-strether laughed at [her]_{1155-the girl} question . "_[111-chad] Oh [I]_0-i perhaps do n't mean as virtuous as THAT ! [Your]_0-i idea is that it can be virtuous - in any sense worthy of the name - only if [she]_{1155-the girl} 's NOT free ? But what does it become then , " [he]_82-strether asked , "_{[1155-the girl]} for [HER]_{1155-the girl} ? " "_[1186-ah] [Ah]_1186-ah that 's another matter . " [He]_82-strether said nothing for a moment , and [she]_{1155-the girl} soon went on . "_[1186-ah] [I]_0-i dare say [you]_0-i 're right , at any rate , about [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} 's little plan . [He]_{114-mr. newsome} HAS been trying [you]_0-i - has been reporting on [you]_0-i to [these friends]_{1187-these friends} . " [Strether]_82-strether meanwhile had had time to think more . "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Then where 's [his]_{114-mr. newsome} straightness ? " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Well , as [we]_1188-we say , it 's struggling up , breaking out , asserting itself as it can . [We]_1188-we can be on the side , [you]_0-i see , of [his]_{114-mr. newsome} straightness . [We]_1188-we can help [him]_{114-mr. newsome} . But [he]_{114-mr. newsome} has made out , " said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_{[114-mr. newsome]} that [you]_0-i 'll do . " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Do for what ? " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Why , for [THEM]_1189-them - for ces dames . [He]_{114-mr. newsome} has watched [you]_0-i , studied [you]_0-i , liked [you]_0-i - and recognised that [THEY]_1189-them must . It 's a great compliment to [you]_0-i , [[my]_0-i dear man]_{2940-my dear man} ; for [I]_0-i 'm sure [they]_1189-them 're particular . [You]_0-i came out for a success . Well , " [she]_0-i gaily declared , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i 're having it ! " [He]_{114-mr. newsome} took it from [her]_0-i with momentary patience and then turned abruptly away . It was always convenient to [him]_{114-mr. newsome} that there were so many fine things in [[her]_0-i room]_{3433-her room} to look at . But the examination of [two or three of [them]_1189-them]_{3434-two or three of them} appeared soon to have determined a speech that had little to do with [them]_1189-them . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i do n't believe in it ! " "_[0-i] In what ? " "_[0-i] In the character of the attachment . In its innocence . " But [she]_0-i defended [herself]_0-i . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't pretend to know anything about it . Everything 's possible . [We]_1191-we must see . " "_[1191-we] See ? " [he]_{114-mr. newsome} echoed with a groan . "_[1191-we] Have n't [we]_1191-we seen enough ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have n't , " [she]_0-i smiled . "_[0-i] But do [you]_0-i suppose then [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} has lied ? " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i must find out . " It made [him]_{114-mr. newsome} almost turn pale . "_[0-i] Find out any MORE ? " [He]_{114-mr. newsome} had dropped on a sofa for dismay ; but [she]_0-i seemed , as [she]_0-i stood over [him]_{114-mr. newsome} , to have the last word . "_[0-i] Was n't what [you]_0-i came out for to find out ALL ? " Book Fifth I The Sunday of the next week was a wonderful day , and [Chad Newsome]_111-chad had let [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} know in advance that [he]_111-chad had provided for it . There had already been a question of [his]_111-chad taking [him]_{114-mr. newsome} to see the great [Gloriani]_84-gloriani , who was at [home]_2874-home on Sunday afternoons and at whose house , for the most part , fewer bores were to be met than elsewhere ; but the project , through some accident , had not had instant effect , and now revived in happier conditions . [Chad]_111-chad had made the point that [the celebrated sculptor]_{3437-the celebrated sculptor} had a queer old garden , for which the weather - spring at last frank and fair - was propitious ; and two or three of [his]_111-chad other allusions had confirmed for [Strether]_82-strether the expectation of something special . [He]_{114-mr. newsome} had by this time , for all introductions and adventures , let [himself]_{114-mr. newsome} recklessly go , cherishing the sense that whatever [the young man]_{2833-the young man} showed [him]_{114-mr. newsome} [he]_{114-mr. newsome} was showing at least [himself]_{114-mr. newsome} . [He]_82-strether could have wished indeed , so far as this went , that [Chad]_111-chad were less of [a mere cicerone]_{3439-a mere cicerone} ; for [he]_{114-mr. newsome} was not without the impression - now that the vision of [his]_{114-mr. newsome} game , [his]_{114-mr. newsome} plan , [his]_{114-mr. newsome} deep diplomacy , did recurrently assert itself - of [his]_{114-mr. newsome} taking refuge from the realities of [their]_3440-their intercourse in profusely dispensing , as [[our]_3441-our friend]_{235-our friend} mentally phrased et panem et circenses . [[Our]_3441-our friend]_{235-our friend} continued to feel rather smothered in flowers , though [he]_{235-our friend} made in [his]_{235-our friend} other moments the almost angry inference that this was only because of [his]_{235-our friend} odious ascetic suspicion of any form of beauty . [He]_{235-our friend} periodically assured [himself]_{235-our friend} - for [his]_{235-our friend} reactions were sharp - that [he]_{235-our friend} should n't reach the truth of anything till [he]_{235-our friend} had at least got rid of that . [He]_{235-our friend} had known beforehand that [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} would probably be on view , an intimation to that effect having constituted the only reference again made by [Chad]_111-chad to [[his]_111-chad good friends from [the south]_{3060-the south}]_{3445-his good friends from the south} . The effect of [Strether]_82-strether 's talk about [them]_{3445-his good friends from the south} with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had been quite to consecrate [his]_{235-our friend} reluctance to pry ; something in the very air of [Chad]_111-chad 's silence - judged in the light of that talk - offered it to [him]_{235-our friend} as a reserve [he]_{235-our friend} could markedly match . It shrouded [them]_{3445-his good friends from the south} about with [he]_111-chad scarce knew what , a consideration , a distinction ; [he]_111-chad was in presence at any rate - so far as it placed [him]_111-chad there - of [ladies]_992-ladies ; and the one thing that was definite for [him]_111-chad was that [they]_{3445-his good friends from the south} [themselves]_{3445-his good friends from the south} should be , to the extent of [his]_111-chad responsibility , in presence of [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} . Was it because [they]_{3445-his good friends from the south} were very beautiful , very clever , or even very good - was it for one of these reasons that [Chad]_111-chad was , so to speak , nursing [his]_111-chad effect ? Did [he]_111-chad wish to spring [them]_{3445-his good friends from the south} , in the Woollett phrase , with a fuller force - to confound [[his]_111-chad critic]_{3449-his critic} , slight though as yet the criticism , with some form of merit exquisitely incalculable ? The most [the critic]_{3450-the critic} had at all events asked was whether [the persons in question]_{3451-the persons in question} were French ; and that enquiry had been but a proper comment on the sound of [their]_{3451-the persons in question} name . "_[0-i] Yes . That is no ! " had been [Chad]_111-chad 's reply ; but [he]_111-chad had immediately added that [their]_{3451-the persons in question} English was the most charming in [the world]_{2804-the world} , so that if [Strether]_82-strether were wanting an excuse for not getting on with [them]_{3451-the persons in question} [he]_82-strether would n't in the least find one . Never in fact had [Strether]_82-strether - in the mood into which [the place]_{2826-the place} had quickly launched [him]_82-strether - felt , for [himself]_82-strether , less the need of an excuse . Those [he]_82-strether might have found would have been , at the worst , all for the others , [the people before [him]_82-strether]_{3454-the people before him} , in whose liberty to be as [they]_{3451-the persons in question} were [he]_82-strether was aware that [he]_82-strether positively rejoiced . [[His]_82-strether fellow guests]_{3455-his fellow guests} were multiplying , and these things , [their]_{3455-his fellow guests} liberty , [their]_{3455-his fellow guests} intensity , [their]_{3455-his fellow guests} variety , [their]_{3455-his fellow guests} conditions at large , were in fusion in the admirable medium of the scene . [The place]_{2826-the place} itself was a great impression - [a small pavilion , clear - faced and sequestered , an effect of polished parquet , of fine white panel and spare sallow gilt]_{3457-a small pavilion , clear - faced and sequestered , an effect of polished parquet , of fine white panel and spare sallow gilt} , of decoration delicate and rare , in the heart of the [Faubourg Saint - Germain]_{33-faubourg saint - germain} and on the edge of [a cluster of gardens attached to [old noble houses]_{3459-old noble houses}]_{3458-a cluster of gardens attached to old noble houses} . Far back from [streets]_3460-streets and unsuspected by [crowds]_3461-crowds , reached by [a long passage]_{3462-a long passage} and [a quiet court]_{3463-a quiet court} , it was as striking to the unprepared mind , [he]_82-strether immediately saw , as a treasure dug up ; giving [him]_82-strether too , more than anything yet , the note of the range of [the immeasurable town]_{3464-the immeasurable town} and sweeping away , as by a last brave brush , [his]_82-strether usual landmarks and terms . It was in [the garden]_{325-the garden} , a spacious cherished remnant , out of which [a dozen persons]_{3466-a dozen persons} had already passed , that [[Chad]_111-chad 's host]_{3467-chad 's host} presently met [them]_{3466-a dozen persons} while the tall bird - haunted trees , all of a twitter with the spring and the weather , and the high party - walls , on the other side of which [grave hotels stood off for privacy]_{3468-grave hotels stood off for privacy} , spoke of survival , transmission , association , a strong indifferent persistent order . The day was so soft that [the little party]_{3469-the little party} had practically adjourned to the open air but the open air was in such conditions all a chamber of state . [Strether]_82-strether had presently the sense of [a great convent]_{3470-a great convent} , [a convent of missions]_{3471-a convent of missions} , famous for [he]_82-strether scarce knew what , a nursery of [young priests]_{3472-young priests} , of scattered shade , of straight alleys and chapel - bells , that spread [its]_{3470-a great convent} mass in one quarter ; [he]_82-strether had the sense of names in the air , of ghosts at the windows , of signs and tokens , a whole range of expression , all about [him]_82-strether , too thick for prompt discrimination . This assault of images became for a moment , in the address of [the distinguished sculptor]_{3473-the distinguished sculptor} , almost formidable : [Gloriani]_84-gloriani showed [him]_82-strether , in such perfect confidence , on [Chad]_111-chad 's introduction of [him]_82-strether , a fine worn handsome face , a face that was like an open letter in a foreign tongue . With [his]_82-strether genius in [his]_82-strether eyes , [his]_82-strether manners on [his]_82-strether lips , [his]_82-strether long career behind [him]_82-strether and [his]_82-strether honours and rewards all round , [the great artist]_{3474-the great artist} , in the course of a single sustained look and a few words of delight at receiving [him]_82-strether , affected [[our]_3475-our friend]_{235-our friend} as [a dazzling prodigy of type]_{3477-a dazzling prodigy of type} . [Strether]_82-strether had seen in [museums]_3478-museums - in [the Luxembourg]_{21-the luxembourg} as well as , more reverently , later on , in [the [New York]_{35-new york} of [the billionaires]_{3480-the billionaires}]_{3479-the new york of the billionaires} - the work of [his]_82-strether hand ; knowing too that after an earlier time in [[his]_82-strether native [Rome]_36-rome]_{3481-his native rome} [he]_82-strether had migrated , in mid - career , to [Paris]_1-paris , where , with a personal lustre almost violent , [he]_82-strether shone in a constellation : all of which was more than enough to crown [him]_82-strether , for [[his]_82-strether guest]_{889-his guest} , with the light , with the romance , of glory . [Strether]_82-strether , in contact with that element as [he]_82-strether had never yet so intimately been , had the consciousness of opening to it , for the happy instant , all the windows of [his]_82-strether mind , of letting this rather grey interior drink in for once the sun of a clime not marked in [[his]_82-strether old geography]_{3483-his old geography} . [He]_82-strether was to remember again repeatedly the medal - like Italian face , in which every line was [an artist]_{3484-an artist} 's own , in which time told only as tone and consecration ; and [he]_82-strether was to recall in especial , as the penetrating radiance , as the communication of the illustrious spirit itself , the manner in which , while [they]_3485-they stood briefly , in welcome and response , face to face , [he]_82-strether was held by [the sculptor]_{3486-the sculptor} 's eyes . [He]_82-strether was n't soon to forget them , was to think of them , all unconscious , unintending , preoccupied though [they]_3485-they were , as the source of the deepest intellectual sounding to which [he]_82-strether had ever been exposed . [He]_82-strether was in fact quite to cherish [his]_82-strether vision of it , to play with it in idle hours ; only speaking of it to [no one]_{765-no one} and quite aware [he]_82-strether could n't have spoken without appearing to talk nonsense . Was what it had told [him]_82-strether or what it had asked [him]_82-strether [the greater of the mysteries]_{3488-the greater of the mysteries} ? Was it the most special flare , unequalled , supreme , of the aesthetic torch , lighting [that wondrous world]_{3489-that wondrous world} for ever , or was it above all the long straight shaft sunk by a personal acuteness that life had seasoned to steel ? Nothing on [earth]_790-earth could have been stranger and [no one]_{765-no one} doubtless more surprised than [the artist]_{2811-the artist} [himself]_82-strether , but it was for all [the world]_{2804-the world} to [Strether]_82-strether just then as if in the matter of [his]_82-strether accepted duty [he]_82-strether had positively been on trial . The deep human expertness in [Gloriani]_84-gloriani 's charming smile - oh the terrible life behind it ! - was flashed upon [him]_82-strether as a test of [his]_82-strether stuff . [Chad]_111-chad meanwhile , after having easily named [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} , had still more easily turned away and was already greeting [other persons present]_{3495-other persons present} . [He]_111-chad was as easy , clever [Chad]_111-chad , with [the great artist]_{3474-the great artist} as with [[his]_111-chad obscure compatriot]_{3497-his obscure compatriot} , and as easy with [every one else as with either]_{3498-every one else as with either} : this fell into its place for [Strether]_82-strether and made almost a new light , giving [him]_82-strether , as a concatenation , something more [he]_82-strether could enjoy . [He]_82-strether liked [Gloriani]_84-gloriani , but should never see [him]_{388-his companion} again ; of that [he]_82-strether was sufficiently sure . [Chad]_111-chad accordingly , who was wonderful with [both of [them]_{3499-both of them}]_{3499-both of them} , was a kind of link for hopeless fancy , an implication of possibilities - oh if everything had been different ! [Strether]_82-strether noted at all events that [he]_82-strether was thus on terms with illustrious spirits , and also that - yes , distinctly - [he]_82-strether had n't in the least swaggered about it . [[Our]_3500-our friend]_{235-our friend} had n't come there only for [this figure of [[Abel Newsome]_{144-abel newsome} 's son]_{3503-abel newsome 's son}]_{3502-this figure of abel newsome 's son} , but that presence threatened to affect the observant mind as positively central . [Gloriani]_84-gloriani indeed , remembering something and excusing [himself]_84-gloriani , pursued [Chad]_111-chad to speak to [him]_111-chad , and [Strether]_82-strether was left musing on many things . One of them was the question of whether , since [he]_111-chad had been tested , [he]_111-chad had passed . Did [the artist]_{2811-the artist} drop [him]_111-chad from having made out that [he]_111-chad would n't do ? [He]_111-chad really felt just to - day that [he]_111-chad might do better than usual . Had n't [he]_111-chad done well enough , so far as that went , in being exactly so dazzled ? and in not having too , as [he]_111-chad almost believed , wholly hidden from [[his]_111-chad host]_{929-his host} that [he]_111-chad felt [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's plummet ? Suddenly , across [the garden]_{325-the garden} , [he]_111-chad saw [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} approach , and it was a part of the fit that was on [him]_111-chad that as [their]_3508-their eyes met [he]_111-chad guessed also [HIS]_111-chad knowledge . If [he]_111-chad had said to [him]_{83-little bilham} on the instant what was uppermost [he]_111-chad would have said : "_[0-i] HAVE [I]_0-i passed ? - for of course [I]_0-i know [one]_2797-one has to pass here . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} would have reassured [him]_{83-little bilham} , have told [him]_{83-little bilham} that [he]_{83-little bilham} exaggerated , and have adduced happily enough the argument of [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's own very presence ; which , in truth , [he]_{83-little bilham} could see , was as easy a one as [Gloriani]_84-gloriani 's own or as [Chad]_111-chad 's . [He]_{83-little bilham} [himself]_{83-little bilham} would perhaps then after a while cease to be frightened , would get the point of view for some of the faces - types tremendously alien , alien to [Woollett]_87-woollett - that [he]_{83-little bilham} had already begun to take in . Who were [they]_3509-they all , [the dispersed groups]_{3510-the dispersed groups} and [couples]_3511-couples , [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} even more unlike those of [Woollett]_87-woollett than [the gentlemen]_{2951-the gentlemen} ? - this was the enquiry that , when [[his]_{83-little bilham} young friend]_{2784-his young friend} had greeted [him]_{83-little bilham} , [he]_{83-little bilham} did find [himself]_{83-little bilham} making . "_[2797-one] Oh [they]_1193-they 're every one - all sorts and sizes ; of course [I]_0-i mean within limits , though limits down perhaps rather more than limits up . There are always [artists]_1194-artists - [he]_1195-he 's beautiful and inimitable to [the cher confrere]_{1196-the cher confrere} ; and then gros bonnets of many kinds - [ambassadors]_{1197-ambassadors} , [cabinet ministers]_{1198-cabinet ministers} , [bankers]_1199-bankers , [generals]_{1200-generals} , what do [I]_0-i know ? even [Jews]_145-jews . Above all always [some awfully nice women]_{1201-some awfully nice women} - and not too many ; sometimes [an actress]_{1202-an actress} , [an artist]_{3484-an artist} , [a great performer]_{1204-a great performer} - but only when [they]_{1201-some awfully nice women} 're not monsters ; and in particular [the right femmes du monde]_{1205-the right femmes du monde} . [You]_1206-you can fancy [his]_1195-he history on that side - [I]_0-i believe it 's fabulous : [they]_1207-they NEVER give [him]_1195-he up . Yet [he]_1195-he keeps [them]_1207-they down : [no one]_{765-no one} knows how [he]_1195-he manages ; it 's too beautiful and bland . Never too many - and a mighty good thing too ; just a perfect choice . But there are not in any way many bores ; it has always been so ; [he]_1195-he has some secret . It 's extraordinary . And [you]_1206-you do n't find it out . [He]_1195-he 's the same to [every one]_{659-every one} . [He]_1195-he does n't ask questions . ' " [Ah]_3515-ah does n't [he]_1195-he ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed . [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} met it with all [his]_{83-little bilham} candour . " How then should [I]_{83-little bilham} be here ? "_{[83-little bilham]} Oh for what [you]_82-strether tell [me]_0-i . [You]_82-strether 're part of the perfect choice . " Well , [the young man]_{2833-the young man} took in the scene . "_{[82-strether]} It seems rather good to - day . " [Strether]_82-strether followed the direction of [his]_82-strether eyes . "_{[82-strether]} Are [they]_1207-they all , this time , [femmes du monde]_{1210-femmes du monde} ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} showed [his]_{83-little bilham} competence . "_[1207-they] Pretty well . " This was a category [[our]_3517-our friend]_{235-our friend} had a feeling for ; a light , romantic and mysterious , on the feminine element , in which [he]_{83-little bilham} enjoyed for a little watching it . "_[1207-they] Are there any [Poles]_146-poles ? " [[His]_{2833-the young man} companion]_{388-his companion} considered . "_[146-poles] [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i make out a ' Portuguee . ' But [I]_0-i 've seen [Turks]_147-turks . " [Strether]_82-strether wondered , desiring justice . "_[147-turks] [They]_147-turks seem - [all the women]_{1211-all the women} - very harmonious . " "_[147-turks] Oh in [closer quarters]_{1212-closer quarters} [they]_147-turks come out ! " And then , while [Strether]_82-strether was aware of fearing closer quarters , though giving [himself]_82-strether again to the harmonies , "_[147-turks] Well , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} went on , "_[147-turks] it IS at the worst rather good , [you]_0-i know . If [you]_0-i like it , [you]_0-i feel it , this way , that shows [you]_0-i 're not in the least out But [you]_0-i always know things , " [he]_{83-little bilham} handsomely added , "_[0-i] immediately . " [Strether]_82-strether liked it and felt it only too much ; so "_[0-i] [I]_0-i say , do n't lay traps for [me]_0-i ! " [he]_82-strether rather helplessly murmured . "_[0-i] Well , " [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} returned , "_[0-i] [he]_1213-he 's wonderfully kind to [us]_1214-us . " "_[1213-he] To [us]_1214-us Americans [you]_0-i mean ? " "_[0-i] Oh no - [he]_1213-he does n't know anything about THAT . That 's half the battle here - that [you]_0-i can never hear politics . [We]_1214-us do n't talk [them]_1215-them . [I]_0-i mean to [poor young wretches of all sorts]_{1216-poor young wretches of all sorts} . And yet it 's always as charming as this ; it 's as if , by something in the air , [[our]_1214-us squalor]_{1217-our squalor} did n't show . It puts [us]_1214-us all back - into the last century . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm afraid , " [Strether]_82-strether said , amused , "_[0-i] that it puts [me]_0-i rather forward : oh ever so far ! " "_[0-i] Into the next ? But is n't that only , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} asked , "_[0-i] because [you]_0-i 're really of the century before ? " "_[0-i] The century before the last ? Thank [you]_0-i ! " [Strether]_82-strether laughed . "_[0-i] If [I]_0-i ask [you]_0-i about [some of [the ladies]_{211-the ladies}]_{1218-some of the ladies} it ca n't be then that [I]_0-i may hope , as such a specimen of the rococo , to please [them]_{1218-some of the ladies} . " "_[0-i] On the contrary [they]_{1218-some of the ladies} adore - [we]_1214-us all adore [here]_3103-here - the rococo , and where is there a better setting for it than the whole thing , [the pavilion]_{1221-the pavilion} and [the garden]_{325-the garden} , together ? There are lots of [people with collections]_{1223-people with collections} , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} smiled as [he]_{83-little bilham} glanced round . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 'll be secured ! " It made [Strether]_82-strether for a moment give [himself]_82-strether again to contemplation . There were faces [he]_82-strether scarce knew what to make of . Were [they]_3521-they charming or were [they]_3521-they only strange ? [He]_82-strether might n't talk politics , yet [he]_82-strether suspected a Pole or two . The upshot was the question at the back of [his]_82-strether head from the moment [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} had joined [him]_82-strether . "_[0-i] Have [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} arrived ? " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [I]_0-i have n't seen [them]_1225-them yet , but [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} has come . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} 's in [the pavilion]_{1221-the pavilion} looking at objects . [One]_2797-one can see [SHE]_{99-miss gostrey} 'S [a collector]_{1228-a collector} , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} added without offence . "_{[1228-a collector]} Oh yes , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} 's [a collector]_{1228-a collector} , and [I]_0-i knew [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was to come . Is [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} [a collector]_{1228-a collector} ? " [Strether]_82-strether went on . "_{[1228-a collector]} Rather , [I]_0-i believe ; almost celebrated . " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} met , on it , a little , [[his]_{2833-the young man} friend]_{259-his friend} 's eyes . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i happen to know - from [Chad]_111-chad , whom [I]_0-i saw last night - that [they]_1231-they 've come back ; but only yesterday . [He]_111-chad was n't sure - up to the last . This , accordingly , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} went on , "_[1231-they] will be - if [they]_1231-they ARE here - [their]_1231-they first appearance after [their]_1231-they return . " [Strether]_82-strether , very quickly , turned these things over . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad told [you]_0-i last night ? To [me]_0-i , on [our]_1232-our way here , [he]_111-chad said nothing about it . " "_[111-chad] But did [you]_0-i ask [him]_111-chad ? " [Strether]_82-strether did [him]_82-strether the justice . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i dare say not . " "_[0-i] Well , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , "_[111-chad] [you]_0-i 're not [a person to whom it 's easy to tell things [you]_0-i do n't want to know]_{1233-a person to whom it 's easy to tell things you do n't want to know} . Though it is easy , [I]_0-i admit - it 's quite beautiful , " [he]_{83-little bilham} benevolently added , "_[0-i] when [you]_0-i do want to . " [Strether]_82-strether looked at [him]_82-strether with an indulgence that matched [his]_82-strether intelligence . "_[0-i] Is that the deep reasoning on which - about [these ladies]_{1234-these ladies} - [you]_0-i 've been [yourself]_0-i so silent ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} considered the depth of [his]_{83-little bilham} reasoning . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have n't been silent . [I]_0-i spoke of [them]_{1234-these ladies} to [you]_0-i the other day , the day [we]_1235-we sat together after [Chad]_111-chad 's tea - party . " [Strether]_82-strether came round to it . "_{[1234-these ladies]} [They]_{1234-these ladies} then are the virtuous attachment ? " "_{[1234-these ladies]} [I]_0-i can only tell [you]_0-i that it 's what [they]_{1234-these ladies} pass for . But is n't that enough ? What more than a vain appearance does [the wisest of [us]_1235-we]_{1236-the wisest of us} know ? [I]_0-i commend [you]_0-i , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} declared with a pleasant emphasis , "_[0-i] the vain appearance . " [Strether]_82-strether looked more widely round , and what [he]_82-strether saw , from face to face , deepened the effect of [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} 's words . "_[0-i] Is it so good ? " "_[0-i] Magnificent . " [Strether]_82-strether had a pause . "_[0-i] [The husband]_{1237-the husband} 's dead ? " "_{[1237-the husband]} Dear no . Alive . " "_[0-i] Oh ! " said [Strether]_82-strether . After which , as [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} laughed : "_[0-i] How then can it be so good ? " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 'll see for [yourself]_0-i . [One]_2797-one does see . " "_[2797-one] [Chad]_111-chad 's in love with [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} ? " "_[111-chad] That 's what [I]_0-i mean . " [Strether]_82-strether wondered . "_[111-chad] Then where 's the difficulty ? " "_[111-chad] Why , are n't [you]_0-i and [I]_0-i - with [our]_1240-our grander bolder ideas ? " "_[0-i] Oh mine - ! " [Strether]_82-strether said rather strangely . But then as if to attenuate : "_[0-i] [You]_0-i mean [they]_1241-them wo n't hear of [Woollett]_87-woollett ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} smiled . "_[1241-them] Is n't that just what [you]_0-i must see about ? " It had brought [them]_1241-them , as [she]_0-i caught the last words , into relation with [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , whom [Strether]_82-strether had already observed - as [he]_82-strether had never before seen [a lady at a party]_{3528-a lady at a party} - moving about alone . Coming within sound of [them]_1241-them [she]_0-i had already spoken , and [she]_0-i took again , through [her]_0-i long - handled glass , all [her]_0-i amused and amusing possession . "_[0-i] How much , poor [Mr. Strether]_82-strether , [you]_82-strether seem to have to see about ! But [you]_82-strether ca n't say , " [she]_0-i gaily declared , "_{[82-strether]} that [I]_0-i do n't do what [I]_0-i can to help [you]_82-strether . [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh is placed . [I]_0-i 've left [him]_96-waymarsh in [the house]_{654-the house} with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . " "_{[99-miss gostrey]} The way , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} exclaimed , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Mr. Strether]_82-strether gets [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} to work for [him]_96-waymarsh ! [He]_82-strether 's just preparing to draw in another ; to pounce - do n't [you]_82-strether see [him]_96-waymarsh ? - on [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? Oh , oh , oh ! " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} cried in a wonderful crescendo . There was more in it , [[our]_1244-we friend]_{235-our friend} made out , than met the ear . Was it after all a joke that [he]_96-waymarsh should be serious about anything ? [He]_96-waymarsh envied [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} at any rate [her]_{131-miss barrace} power of not being . [She]_{131-miss barrace} seemed , with little cries and protests and quick recognitions , movements like the darts of some fine high - feathered free - pecking bird , to stand before life as before some full shop - window . [You]_1248-you could fairly hear , as [she]_{131-miss barrace} selected and pointed , the tap of [her]_{131-miss barrace} tortoise - shell against the glass . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} It 's certain that [we]_1244-we do need seeing about ; only [I]_0-i 'm glad it 's not [I]_0-i who have to do it . [One]_2797-one does , no doubt , begin that way ; then suddenly [one]_2797-one finds that [one]_2797-one has given it up . It 's too much , it 's too difficult . [You]_1248-you 're wonderful , [[you]_1248-you people]_{1249-you people} , " [she]_{131-miss barrace} continued to [Strether]_82-strether , "_[1248-you] for not feeling those things - by which [I]_0-i mean impossibilities . [You]_1248-you never feel them . [You]_1248-you face [them]_1250-them with a fortitude that makes it a lesson to watch [you]_1248-you . " "_[1248-you] Ah but " - [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} put it with discouragement - "_[1244-we] what do [we]_1244-we achieve after all ? [We]_1244-we see about [you]_1248-you and report - when [we]_1244-we even go so far as reporting . But nothing 's done . " "_[1248-you] Oh [you]_1248-you , [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , " [she]_0-i replied as with an impatient rap on the glass , "_[1248-you] [you]_1248-you 're not worth sixpence ! [You]_1248-you come over to convert [the savages]_{1251-the savages} - for [I]_0-i know [you]_1248-you verily did , [I]_0-i remember [you]_1248-you - and [the savages]_{1251-the savages} simply convert [YOU]_1248-you . " "_{[1251-the savages]} Not even ! " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} woefully confessed : "_{[1251-the savages]} [they]_{1251-the savages} have n't gone through that form . [They]_{1251-the savages} 've simply - [the cannibals]_{1253-the cannibals} ! - eaten [me]_0-i ; converted [me]_0-i if [you]_1248-you like , but converted [me]_0-i into food . [I]_0-i 'm but the bleached bones of [a Christian]_{1254-a christian} . " "_{[1254-a christian]} Well then there [we]_1255-we are ! Only " - and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} appealed again to [Strether]_82-strether - "_{[1254-a christian]} do n't let it discourage [you]_1248-you . [You]_1248-you 'll break down soon enough , but [you]_1248-you 'll meanwhile have had [your]_1248-you moments . Il faut en avoir . [I]_0-i always like to see [you]_1248-you while [you]_1248-you last . And [I]_0-i 'll tell [you]_1248-you who WILL last . " "_[0-i] Waymarsh ? " - [he]_82-strether had already taken [her]_0-i up . [She]_0-i laughed out as at the alarm of it . "_[1256-he] [He]_1256-he 'll resist even [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} : so grand is it not to understand . [He]_1256-he 's wonderful . " "_[1256-he] [He]_1256-he is indeed , " [Strether]_82-strether conceded . "_[1256-he] [He]_1256-he would n't tell [me]_0-i of this affair - only said [he]_1256-he had an engagement ; but with such a gloom , [you]_1248-you must let [me]_0-i insist , as if it had been an engagement to be hanged . Then silently and secretly [he]_1256-he turns up here with [you]_1248-you . Do [you]_0-i call THAT ' lasting ' ? " "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i hope it 's lasting ! " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} said . "_[0-i] But [he]_1256-he only , at the best , bears with [me]_0-i . [He]_1256-he does n't understand - not one little scrap . [He]_1256-he 's delightful . [He]_1256-he 's wonderful , " [she]_0-i repeated . "_[1256-he] [Michelangelesque]_{37-michelangelesque} ! " - [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} completed [her]_0-i meaning . "_[1256-he] [He]_1256-he IS a success . [Moses]_148-moses , on the ceiling , brought down to the floor ; overwhelming , colossal , but somehow portable . " "_[148-moses] Certainly , if [you]_1248-you mean by portable , " [she]_0-i returned , "_[148-moses] looking so well in [one]_2797-one 's carriage . [He]_1256-he 's too funny beside [me]_0-i in [his]_1256-he comer ; [he]_1256-he looks like [somebody]_{2913-somebody} , [somebody foreign and famous , en exil]_{1259-somebody foreign and famous , en exil} ; so that [people]_2824-people wonder - it 's very amusing - whom [I]_0-i 'm taking about . [I]_0-i show [him]_1256-he [Paris]_1-paris , show [him]_1256-he everything , and [he]_1256-he never turns a hair . [He]_1256-he 's like [the Indian chief one reads about , who , when [he]_1256-he comes up to [Washington]_{38-washington} to see [the Great Father]_{1262-the great father}]_{1261-the indian chief one reads about , who , when he comes up to washington to see the great father} , stands wrapt in [his]_1256-he blanket and gives no sign . [I]_0-i might be [the Great Father]_{149-the great father} - from the way [he]_1256-he takes everything . " [She]_0-i was delighted at this hit of [her]_0-i identity with [that personage]_{3531-that personage} - it fitted so [her]_0-i character ; [she]_0-i declared it was the title [she]_0-i meant henceforth to adopt . "_[1256-he] And the way [he]_1256-he sits , too , in the corner of [[my]_0-i room]_{1263-my room} , only looking at [[my]_0-i visitors]_{1264-my visitors} very hard and as if [he]_1256-he wanted to start something ! [They]_{1264-my visitors} wonder what [he]_1256-he does want to start . But [he]_1256-he 's wonderful , " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} once more insisted . "_[1256-he] [He]_1256-he has never started anything yet . " It presented [him]_1256-he none the less , in truth , to [[her]_0-i actual friends]_{3532-her actual friends} , who looked at [each other]_{2864-each other} in intelligence , with frank amusement on [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's part and a shade of sadness on [Strether]_82-strether 's . [Strether]_82-strether 's sadness sprang - for the image had its grandeur - from [his]_82-strether thinking how little [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether was wrapt in [his]_82-strether blanket , how little , in [marble halls]_{3534-marble halls} , all too oblivious of [the Great Father]_{149-the great father} , [he]_82-strether resembled [a really majestic aboriginal]_{3535-a really majestic aboriginal} . But [he]_82-strether had also another reflexion . "_[1256-he] [You]_1265-you 've all of [you]_1265-you here so much visual sense that [you]_1265-you 've somehow all ' run ' to it . There are moments when it strikes one that [you]_1265-you have n't any other . " "_[1265-you] Any moral , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} explained , watching serenely , across [the garden]_{325-the garden} , [the several femmes du monde]_{3537-the several femmes du monde} . "_[1265-you] But [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} has a moral distinction , " [he]_82-strether kindly continued ; speaking as if for [Strether]_82-strether 's benefit not less than for [her]_{131-miss barrace} own . "_[1265-you] HAVE [you]_1265-you ? " [Strether]_82-strether , scarce knowing what [he]_82-strether was about , asked of [her]_{131-miss barrace} almost eagerly . "_[1265-you] Oh not a distinction " - [she]_{131-miss barrace} was mightily amused at [his]_82-strether tone - "_{[83-little bilham]} [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's too good . But [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i may say a sufficiency . Yes , a sufficiency . Have [you]_1265-you supposed strange things of [me]_0-i ? " - and [she]_{131-miss barrace} fixed [him]_82-strether again , through all [her]_{131-miss barrace} tortoise - shell , with the droll interest of it . "_[1265-you] [You]_1265-you ARE all indeed wonderful . [I]_0-i should awfully disappoint [you]_1265-you . [I]_0-i do take [my]_0-i stand on [my]_0-i sufficiency . But [I]_0-i know , [I]_0-i confess , " [she]_{131-miss barrace} went on , ' [strange people]_{3538-strange people} . [I]_0-i do n't know how it happens ; [I]_0-i do n't do it on purpose ; it seems to be [my]_0-i doom - as if [I]_0-i were always one of [their]_{3538-strange people} habits : it 's wonderful ! [I]_0-i dare say moreover , "_[0-i] [she]_0-i pursued with an interested gravity , " that [I]_0-i do , that [we]_3539-we all do here , run too much to mere eye . But how can it be helped ? [We]_3539-we 're all looking at [each other]_{2864-each other} - and in the light of [Paris]_1-paris [one]_2797-one sees what things resemble . That 's what the light of [Paris]_1-paris seems always to show . It 's the fault of the light of [Paris]_1-paris - dear old light ! "_[0-i] " Dear old [Paris]_1-paris ! "_{[83-little bilham]} [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} echoed . " Everything , [every one]_{659-every one} shows , "_{[83-little bilham]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} went on . " But for what [they]_{659-every one} really are ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether asked . " Oh [I]_82-strether like [your]_{131-miss barrace} Boston ' reallys ' ! But sometimes - yes . "_{[82-strether]} " [Dear old]_{3543-dear old} [Paris]_1-paris then ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether resignedly sighed while for a moment [they]_1266-they looked at [each other]_{2864-each other} . Then [he]_82-strether broke out : " Does [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} do that ? [I]_82-strether mean really show for what [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} is ? "_{[82-strether]} [Her]_{131-miss barrace} answer was prompt . " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's charming . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's perfect . "_{[82-strether]} " Then why did [you]_{131-miss barrace} a minute ago say ' Oh , oh , oh ! ' at [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} name ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} [She]_{131-miss barrace} easily remembered . " Why just because - ! [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's wonderful . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Ah [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} too ? "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether had almost a groan . But [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} had meanwhile perceived relief . " Why not put [your]_82-strether question straight to [the person who can answer it best]_{3544-the person who can answer it best} ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " No , "_{[83-little bilham]} said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ; " do n't put any question ; wait , rather - it will be much more fun - to judge for [yourself]_82-strether . [He]_111-chad has come to take [you]_82-strether to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . "_{[83-little bilham]} II On which [Strether]_82-strether saw that [Chad]_111-chad was again at hand , and [he]_82-strether afterwards scarce knew , absurd as it may seem , what had then quickly occurred . The moment concerned [him]_82-strether , [he]_82-strether felt , more deeply than [he]_82-strether could have explained , and [he]_82-strether had a subsequent passage of speculation as to whether , on walking off with [Chad]_111-chad , [he]_82-strether had n't looked either pale or red . The only thing [he]_82-strether was clear about was that , luckily , nothing indiscreet had in fact been said and that [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad was more than ever , in [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} 's great sense , wonderful . It was one of the connexions - though really why it should be , after all , was none so apparent - in which the whole change in [him]_111-chad came out as most striking . [Strether]_82-strether recalled as [they]_1268-they approached [the house]_{654-the house} that [he]_82-strether had impressed [him]_82-strether that first night as knowing how to enter a box . Well , [he]_82-strether impressed [him]_82-strether scarce less now as knowing how to make a presentation . It did something for [Strether]_82-strether 's own quality - marked it as estimated ; so that [[our]_1268-they poor friend]_{1270-our poor friend} , conscious and passive , really seemed to feel [himself]_{1270-our poor friend} quite handed over and delivered ; absolutely , as [he]_{1270-our poor friend} would have said , made a present of , given away . As [they]_1268-they reached [the house]_{654-the house} [a young woman , about to come forth]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} , appeared , unaccompanied , on the steps ; at the exchange with whom of a word on [Chad]_111-chad 's part [Strether]_82-strether immediately perceived that , obligingly , kindly , [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} was there to meet [them]_1268-they . [Chad]_111-chad had left [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} in [the house]_{654-the house} , but [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} had afterwards come halfway and then the next moment had joined [them]_1268-they in [the garden]_{325-the garden} . [Her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} air of youth , for [Strether]_82-strether , was at first almost disconcerting , while [his]_82-strether second impression was , not less sharply , a degree of relief at there not having just been , with [the others]_{544-the others} , any freedom used about [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} . It was upon [him]_82-strether at a touch that [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} was no subject for that , and meanwhile , on [Chad]_111-chad 's introducing [him]_82-strether , [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} had spoken to [him]_82-strether , very simply and gently , in an English clearly of the easiest to [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} , yet unlike any other [he]_82-strether had ever heard . It was n't as if [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} tried ; nothing , [he]_82-strether could see after [they]_1268-they had been a few minutes together , was as if [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} tried ; but [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} speech , charming correct and odd , was like a precaution against [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} passing for a Pole . There were precautions , [he]_82-strether seemed indeed to see , only when there were really dangers . Later on [he]_82-strether was to feel many more of them , but by that time [he]_82-strether was to feel other things besides . [She]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} was dressed in black , but in black that struck [him]_82-strether as light and transparent ; [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} was exceedingly fair , and , though [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} was as markedly slim , [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} face had a roundness , with eyes far apart and a little strange . [Her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} smile was natural and dim ; [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} hat not extravagant ; [he]_82-strether had only perhaps a sense of the clink , beneath [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} fine black sleeves , of more gold bracelets and bangles than [he]_82-strether had ever seen [a lady]_{579-a lady} wear . [Chad]_111-chad was excellently free and light about [their]_1268-they encounter ; it was one of the occasions on which [Strether]_82-strether most wished [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether might have arrived at such ease and such humour : " Here [you]_3545-you are then , face to face at last ; [you]_3545-you 're made for each other - vous allez voir ; and [I]_82-strether bless [your]_3545-you union . "_{[82-strether]} It was indeed , after [he]_82-strether had gone off , as if [he]_82-strether had been partly serious too . This latter motion had been determined by an enquiry from [him]_82-strether about " [Jeanne]_150-jeanne "_{[1272-a young woman , about to come forth]} ; to which [[her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} mother]_{3347-her mother} had replied that [she]_{3347-her mother} was probably still in [the house]_{654-the house} with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , to whom [she]_{3347-her mother} had lately committed [her]_{3347-her mother} . " Ah but [you]_82-strether know , "_{[2833-the young man]} [the young man]_{2833-the young man} had rejoined , " [he]_82-strether must see [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} "_{[2833-the young man]} ; with which , while [Strether]_82-strether pricked up [his]_82-strether ears , [he]_82-strether had started as if to bring [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} , leaving the other objects of [his]_82-strether interest together . [Strether]_82-strether wondered to find [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} already involved , feeling that [he]_82-strether missed a link ; but feeling also , with small delay , how much [he]_82-strether should like to talk with [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} on this basis of evidence . The evidence as yet in truth was meagre ; which , for that matter , was perhaps a little why [his]_82-strether expectation had had a drop . There was somehow not quite a wealth in [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} ; and a wealth was all that , in [his]_82-strether simplicity , [he]_82-strether had definitely prefigured . Still , it was too much to be sure already that there was but a poverty . [They]_1280-they moved away from [the house]_{654-the house} , and , with eyes on a bench at some distance , [he]_82-strether proposed that [they]_1280-they should sit down . " [I]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} 've heard a great deal about [you]_82-strether , "_{[1272-a young woman , about to come forth]} [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} said as [they]_1280-they went ; but [he]_82-strether had an answer to it that made [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} stop short . " Well , about [YOU]_82-strether , [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , [I]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} 've heard , [I]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} 'm bound to say , almost nothing "_{[1272-a young woman , about to come forth]} - those struck [him]_82-strether as the only words [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether could utter with any lucidity ; conscious as [he]_82-strether was , and as with more reason , of the determination to be in respect to the rest of [his]_82-strether business perfectly plain and go perfectly straight . It had n't at any rate been in the least [his]_82-strether idea to spy on [Chad]_111-chad 's proper freedom . It was possibly , however , at this very instant and under the impression of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's pause , that going straight began to announce itself as a matter for care . [She]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} had only after all to smile at [him]_82-strether ever so gently in order to make [him]_82-strether ask [himself]_82-strether if [he]_82-strether were n't already going crooked . It might be going crooked to find it of a sudden just only clear that [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} intended very definitely to be what [he]_82-strether would have called nice to [him]_82-strether . This was what passed between [them]_1282-them while , for another instant , [they]_1282-them stood still ; [he]_82-strether could n't at least remember afterwards what else it might have been . The thing indeed really unmistakeable was its rolling over [him]_82-strether as a wave that [he]_82-strether had been , in conditions incalculable and unimaginable , a subject of discussion . [He]_82-strether had been , on some ground that concerned [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} , answered for ; which gave [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} an advantage [he]_82-strether should never be able to match . " Has n't [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_{[1272-a young woman , about to come forth]} [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} asked , ' said a good word for [me]_0-i ? " What had struck [him]_82-strether first was the way [he]_82-strether was bracketed with [that lady]_{3398-that lady} ; and [he]_82-strether wondered what account [Chad]_111-chad would have given of [their]_3547-their acquaintance . Something not as yet traceable , at all events , had obviously happened . "_{[1272-a young woman , about to come forth]} [I]_0-i did n't even know of [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} knowing [you]_82-strether . " "_{[1272-a young woman , about to come forth]} Well , now [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} 'll tell [you]_82-strether all . [I]_0-i 'm so glad [you]_82-strether 're in relation with [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} . " This was one of the things - the "_[0-i] all " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} would now tell [him]_82-strether - that , with every deference to present preoccupation , was uppermost for [Strether]_82-strether after [they]_3547-their had taken [their]_3547-their seat . One of [the others]_{544-the others} was , at the end of five minutes , that [she]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} - oh incontestably , yes - DIFFERED less ; differed , that is , scarcely at all - well , superficially speaking , from [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} or even from [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . [She]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} was ever so much younger than [the one]_{631-the one} and not so young as the other ; but what WAS there in [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} , if anything , that would have made it impossible [he]_82-strether should meet [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} at [Woollett]_87-woollett ? And wherein was [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} talk during [their]_3547-their moments on the bench together not the same as would have been found adequate for a [Woollett]_87-woollett garden - party ? - unless perhaps truly in not being quite so bright . [She]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} observed to [him]_82-strether that [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} had , to [her]_{1272-a young woman , about to come forth} knowledge , taken extraordinary pleasure in [his]_82-strether visit ; but there was [no good lady at [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{3550-no good lady at woollett} who would n't have been at least up to that . Was [there]_311-there in [Chad]_111-chad , by chance , after all , deep down , a principle of aboriginal loyalty that had made [him]_82-strether , for sentimental ends , attach [himself]_82-strether to elements , happily encountered , that would remind [him]_82-strether most of the old air and [the old soil]_{3552-the old soil} ? Why accordingly be in a flutter - [Strether]_82-strether could even put it that way - about this unfamiliar phenomenon of [the femme du monde]_{3553-the femme du monde} ? On these terms [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} was as much of one . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} verily had testified that [they]_3554-they came out , [the ladies of the type , in close quarters]_{3555-the ladies of the type , in close quarters} ; but it was just in [these quarters]_{3556-these quarters} - now comparatively close - that [he]_82-strether felt [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's common humanity . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} did come out , and certainly to [his]_82-strether relief , but [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} came out as the usual thing . There might be motives behind , but so could there often be even at [Woollett]_87-woollett . The only thing was that if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} showed [him]_82-strether [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wished to like [him]_82-strether - as the motives behind might conceivably prompt - it would possibly have been more thrilling for [him]_82-strether that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} should have shown as more vividly alien . Ah [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was neither [Turk]_151-turk nor [Pole]_152-pole ! - which would be indeed flat once more for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} and [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . [A lady]_{579-a lady} and [two gentlemen]_{3558-two gentlemen} had meanwhile , however , approached [their]_{3558-two gentlemen} bench , and this accident stayed for the time further developments . [They]_{3558-two gentlemen} presently addressed [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} , [the brilliant strangers]_{3560-the brilliant strangers} ; [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} rose to speak to [them]_{3558-two gentlemen} , and [Strether]_82-strether noted how [the escorted lady]_{3561-the escorted lady} , though mature and by no means beautiful , had more of the bold high look , the range of expensive reference , that [he]_82-strether had , as might have been said , made [his]_82-strether plans for . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} greeted [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} as "_{[153-duchesse]} [Duchesse]_153-duchesse " and was greeted in turn , while talk started in French , as "_{[1283-ma toute - belle]} [Ma toute - belle]_{1283-ma toute - belle} " ; little facts that had [their]_{3558-two gentlemen} due , [their]_{3558-two gentlemen} vivid interest for [Strether]_82-strether . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} did n't , none the less , introduce [him]_82-strether - a note [he]_82-strether was conscious of as false to [the Woollett]_87-woollett scale and the Woollett humanity ; though it did n't prevent [the Duchess]_{3562-the duchess} , who struck [him]_82-strether as confident and free , very much what [he]_82-strether had obscurely supposed [duchesses]_{3563-duchesses} , from looking at [him]_82-strether as straight and as hard - for it WAS hard - as if [she]_{3562-the duchess} would have liked , all the same , to know [him]_82-strether . "_[0-i] Oh yes , [[my]_0-i dear]_{1284-my dear} , it 's all right , it 's [ME]_0-i ; and who are [YOU]_{1284-my dear} , with [your]_{1284-my dear} interesting wrinkles and [your]_{1284-my dear} most effective is it the handsomest , is it the ugliest ? of noses ? " - some such loose handful of bright flowers [she]_{3562-the duchess} seemed , fragrantly enough , to fling at [him]_82-strether . [Strether]_82-strether almost wondered - at such a pace was [he]_82-strether going - if some divination of the influence of [either party]_{3564-either party} were what determined [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's abstention . [One of [the gentlemen]_{2951-the gentlemen}]_{3565-one of the gentlemen} , in any case , succeeded in placing [himself]_{3565-one of the gentlemen} in close relation with [[[our]_3567-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's companion]_{3569-our friend 's companion} ; [a gentleman rather stout and importantly short , in a hat with a wonderful wide curl to its brim and a frock coat buttoned with an effect of superlative decision]_{3570-a gentleman rather stout and importantly short , in a hat with a wonderful wide curl to its brim and a frock coat buttoned with an effect of superlative decision} . [His]_82-strether French had quickly turned to equal English , and it occurred to [Strether]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether might well be [one of [the ambassadors]_{203-the ambassadors}]_{3571-one of the ambassadors} . [His]_82-strether design was evidently to assert a claim to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's undivided countenance , and [he]_82-strether made it good in the course of a minute - led [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} away with a trick of three words ; a trick played with a social art of which [Strether]_82-strether , looking after [them]_{2951-the gentlemen} as [the four , whose backs were now all turned]_{3573-the four , whose backs were now all turned} , moved off , felt [himself]_82-strether [no master]_{3574-no master} . [He]_82-strether sank again upon [his]_82-strether bench and , while [his]_82-strether eyes followed [the party]_{920-the party} , reflected , as [he]_82-strether had done before , on [[Chad]_111-chad 's strange communities]_{3576-chad 's strange communities} . [He]_82-strether sat there alone for five minutes , with plenty to think of ; above all with [his]_82-strether sense of having suddenly been dropped by [a charming woman overlaid now by other impressions and in fact quite cleared and indifferent]_{3577-a charming woman overlaid now by other impressions and in fact quite cleared and indifferent} . [He]_82-strether had n't yet had so quiet a surrender ; [he]_82-strether did n't in the least care if [nobody]_270-nobody spoke to [him]_82-strether more . [He]_82-strether might have been , by [his]_82-strether attitude , in for something of a march so broad that the want of ceremony with which [he]_82-strether had just been used could fall into its place as but a minor incident of the procession . Besides , there would be incidents enough , as [he]_82-strether felt when this term of contemplation was closed by the reappearance of [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , who stood before [him]_82-strether a moment with a suggestive "_[0-i] Well ? " in which [he]_82-strether saw [himself]_82-strether reflected as disorganised , as possibly floored . [He]_82-strether replied with a "_[0-i] Well ! " intended to show that [he]_82-strether was n't floored in the least . No indeed ; [he]_82-strether gave it out , as [the young man]_{2833-the young man} sat down beside [him]_82-strether , that if , at the worst , [he]_82-strether had been overturned at all , [he]_82-strether had been overturned into the upper air , the sublimer element with which [he]_82-strether had an affinity and in which [he]_82-strether might be trusted a while to float . It was n't a descent to [earth]_790-earth to say after an instant and in sustained response to the reference : "_[0-i] [You]_1285-you 're quite sure [[her]_1286-her husband]_{460-her husband} 's living ? " "_[0-i] Oh dear , yes . " "_[0-i] Ah then - ! " "_[0-i] Ah then what ? " [Strether]_82-strether had after all to think . "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i 'm sorry for [them]_1288-they . " But it did n't for the moment matter more than that . [He]_82-strether assured [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} [he]_82-strether was quite content . [They]_1288-they would n't stir ; were all right as [they]_1288-they were . [He]_82-strether did n't want to be introduced ; had been introduced already about as far as [he]_82-strether could go . [He]_82-strether had seen [moreover]_{3582-moreover} an immensity ; liked [Gloriani]_84-gloriani , who , as [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} kept saying , was wonderful ; had made out , [he]_82-strether was sure , [the half - dozen other ' men who were distinguished]_{3583-the half - dozen other ' men who were distinguished} , [the artists]_{3584-the artists} , [the critics]_{3585-the critics} and oh [the great dramatist]_{3586-the great dramatist} - [HIM]_82-strether it was easy to spot ; but wanted - no , thanks , really - to talk with [none of [them]_{3583-the half - dozen other ' men who were distinguished}]_{3587-none of them} ; having nothing at all to say and finding it would do beautifully as it was ; do beautifully because what it was - well , was just simply too late . And when after [this little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , submissive and responsive , but with an eye to the consolation nearest , easily threw off some "_[1288-they] Better late than never ! " all [he]_82-strether got in return for it was a sharp "_[1288-they] Better early than late ! " This note indeed the next thing overflowed for [Strether]_82-strether into a quiet stream of demonstration that as soon as [he]_82-strether had let [himself]_82-strether go [he]_82-strether felt as the real relief . It had consciously gathered to a head , but the reservoir had filled sooner than [he]_82-strether knew , and [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's touch was to make the waters spread . There were some things that had to come in time if they were to come at all . If [they]_3589-they did n't come in time [they]_3589-they were lost for ever . It was the general sense of [them]_3589-they that had overwhelmed [him]_82-strether with its long slow rush . "_[1288-they] It 's not too late for [YOU]_1289-you , on any side , and [you]_1289-you do n't strike [me]_0-i as in danger of missing [the train]_{1290-the train} ; besides which [people]_2824-people can be in general pretty well trusted , of course - with the clock of [their]_2824-people freedom ticking as loud as it seems to do here - to keep an eye on the fleeting hour . All the same do n't forget that [you]_1289-you 're young - blessedly young ; be glad of it on the contrary and live up to it . Live all [you]_1289-you can ; it 's a mistake not to . It does n't so much matter what [you]_1289-you do in particular , so long as [you]_1289-you have [your]_1289-you life . If [you]_1289-you have n't had that what HAVE [you]_1289-you had ? [This place]_{1292-this place} and these impressions - mild as [you]_1289-you may find them to wind [a man]_{572-a man} up so ; all [my]_0-i impressions of [Chad]_111-chad and of [people]_2824-people [I]_0-i 've seen at [[HIS]_111-chad place]_{1295-his place} - well , have had [their]_2824-people abundant message for [me]_0-i , have just dropped THAT into [my]_0-i mind . [I]_0-i see it now . [I]_0-i have n't done so enough before - and now [I]_0-i 'm old ; too old at any rate for what [I]_0-i see . Oh [I]_0-i DO see , at least ; and more than [you]_1289-you 'd believe or [I]_0-i can express . It 's too late . And it 's as if [the train]_{1290-the train} had fairly waited at [the station]_{1297-the station} for [me]_0-i without [my]_0-i having had the gumption to know it was there . Now [I]_0-i hear its faint receding whistle miles and miles down the line . What [one]_2797-one loses [one]_2797-one loses ; make no mistake about that . The affair - [I]_0-i mean the affair of life - could n't , no doubt , have been different for [me]_0-i ; for it 's at the best a tin mould , either fluted and embossed , with ornamental excrescences , or else smooth and dreadfully plain , into which , a helpless jelly , [one]_2797-one 's consciousness is poured - so that [one]_2797-one ' takes ' the form as [the great cook]_{1302-the great cook} says , and is more or less compactly held by it : [one]_2797-one lives in fine as [one]_2797-one can . Still , [one]_2797-one has the illusion of freedom ; therefore do n't be , like [me]_0-i , without the memory of that illusion . [I]_0-i was either , at the right time , too stupid or too intelligent to have it ; [I]_0-i do n't quite know which . Of course at present [I]_0-i 'm [a case of reaction against the mistake]_{1305-a case of reaction against the mistake} ; and the voice of reaction should , no doubt , always be taken with an allowance . But that does n't affect the point that the right time is now [yours]_1306-you . The right time is ANY time that [one]_2797-one is still so lucky as to have . [You]_1306-you 've plenty ; that 's the great thing ; [you]_1306-you 're , as [I]_0-i say , damn [you]_1306-you , so happily and hatefully young . Do n't at any rate miss things out of stupidity . Of course [I]_0-i do n't take [you]_1306-you for [a fool]_{3209-a fool} , or [I]_0-i should n't be addressing [you]_1306-you thus awfully . Do what [you]_1306-you like so long as [you]_1306-you do n't make [MY]_0-i mistake . For it was a mistake . Live ! " ... Slowly and sociably , with full pauses and straight dashes , [Strether]_82-strether had so delivered [himself]_82-strether ; holding [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} from step to step deeply and gravely attentive . The end of all was that [the young man]_{2833-the young man} had turned quite solemn , and that this was a contradiction of the innocent gaiety [the speaker]_{3277-the speaker} had wished to promote . [He]_82-strether watched for a moment the consequence of [his]_82-strether words , and then , laying a hand on [[his]_82-strether listener]_{3592-his listener} 's knee and as if to end with the proper joke : "_[0-i] And now for the eye [I]_0-i shall keep on [you]_1306-you ! " "_[0-i] Oh but [I]_0-i do n't know that [I]_0-i want to be , at [your]_1306-you age , too different from [you]_1306-you ! " "_[0-i] Ah prepare while [you]_1306-you 're about it , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] to be more amusing . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} continued to think , but at last had a smile . "_[1306-you] Well , [you]_1306-you ARE amusing - to [ME]_0-i . " "_[1306-you] Impayable , as [you]_1306-you say , no doubt . But what am [I]_0-i to [myself]_0-i ? " [Strether]_82-strether had risen with this , giving [his]_82-strether attention now to an encounter that , in the middle of [the garden]_{325-the garden} , was in the act of taking place between [[their]_3594-their host]_{3595-their host} and [the lady at whose side [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had quitted [him]_82-strether]_{3596-the lady at whose side madame de vionnet had quitted him} . [This lady]_{327-this lady} , who appeared within a few minutes to have left [[her]_{327-this lady} friends]_{3598-her friends} , awaited [Gloriani]_84-gloriani 's eager approach with words on [her]_{327-this lady} lips that [Strether]_82-strether could n't catch , but of which [her]_{327-this lady} interesting witty face seemed to give [him]_82-strether the echo . [He]_82-strether was sure [she]_{327-this lady} was prompt and fine , but also that [she]_{327-this lady} had met [[her]_{327-this lady} match]_{3599-her match} , and [he]_82-strether liked - in the light of what [he]_82-strether was quite sure was [the Duchess]_{3562-the duchess} 's latent insolence - the good humour with which [the great artist]_{3474-the great artist} asserted equal resources . Were [they]_3602-they , [this pair]_{3603-this pair} , of [the "_[0-i] great world]_{3604-the " great world} " ? - and was [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , for the moment and thus related to [them]_3602-they by [his]_82-strether observation , IN it ? Then there was something in [the great world]_{3605-the great world} covertly tigerish , which came to [him]_82-strether across [the lawn]_{3606-the lawn} and in the charming air as a waft from [the jungle]_{3607-the jungle} . Yet it made [him]_82-strether admire most of [the two]_{2959-the two} , made [him]_82-strether envy , the glossy male tiger , magnificently marked . These absurdities of the stirred sense , fruits of suggestion ripening on the instant , were all reflected in [his]_82-strether next words to [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i know - if [we]_1309-we talk of that - whom [I]_0-i should enjoy being like ! " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} followed [his]_82-strether eyes ; but then as with a shade of knowing surprise : "_{[84-gloriani]} [Gloriani]_84-gloriani ? " [[Our]_1309-we friend]_{235-our friend} had in fact already hesitated , though not on the hint of [[his]_{235-our friend} companion]_{388-his companion} 's doubt , in which there were depths of critical reserve . [He]_{235-our friend} had just made out , in the now full picture , something and [somebody else]_{781-somebody else} ; another impression had been superimposed . [A young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat]_{3612-a young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat} had suddenly come into view , and what was presently clear was that [her]_{3612-a young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat} course was toward [them]_{2959-the two} . What was clearer still was that [the handsome young man at [her]_{3612-a young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat} side]_{3613-the handsome young man at her side} was [Chad Newsome]_111-chad , and what was clearest of all was that [she]_{3612-a young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat} was therefore [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} , that [she]_{3612-a young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat} was unmistakeably pretty - [bright gentle shy happy wonderful]_155-happy - and that [Chad]_111-chad now , with a consummate calculation of effect , was about to present [her]_{3612-a young girl in a white dress and a softly plumed white hat} to [[his]_111-chad old friend]_{3204-his old friend} 's vision . What was clearest of all indeed was something much more than this , something at the single stroke of which - and was n't it simply juxtaposition ? - all vagueness vanished . It was the click of a spring - [he]_{235-our friend} saw the truth . [He]_{235-our friend} had by this time also met [Chad]_111-chad 's look ; there was more of it in that ; and the truth , accordingly , so far as [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's enquiry was concerned , had thrust in the answer . "_{[84-gloriani]} Oh [Chad]_111-chad ! " - it was that rare youth [he]_111-chad should have enjoyed being "_{[84-gloriani]} like . " The virtuous attachment would be all there before [him]_111-chad ; the virtuous attachment would be in the very act of appeal for [his]_111-chad blessing ; [Jeanne de Vionnet]_150-jeanne , [this charming creature]_{3615-this charming creature} , would be exquisitely , intensely now - the object of it . [Chad]_111-chad brought [her]_150-jeanne straight up to [him]_111-chad , and [Chad]_111-chad was , oh yes , at this moment - for the glory of [Woollett]_87-woollett or whatever - better still even than [Gloriani]_84-gloriani . [He]_111-chad had plucked this blossom ; [he]_111-chad had kept it over - night in water ; and at last as [he]_111-chad held it up to wonder [he]_111-chad did enjoy [his]_111-chad effect . That was why [Strether]_82-strether had felt at first the breath of calculation - and why moreover , as [he]_82-strether now knew , [his]_82-strether look at [the girl]_{1155-the girl} would be , for [the young man]_{2833-the young man} , a sign of [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's success . What [young man]_{3619-young man} had ever paraded about that way , without a reason , [a maiden in [her]_{1155-the girl} flower]_{3620-a maiden in her flower} ? And there was nothing in [his]_{2833-the young man} reason at present obscure . [[Her]_{1155-the girl} type]_{3621-her type} sufficiently told of it - [they]_{3621-her type} would n't , [they]_{3621-her type} could n't , want [her]_{1155-the girl} to go to [Woollett]_87-woollett . [Poor Woollett]_87-woollett , and what it might miss ! - though brave [Chad]_111-chad indeed too , and what it might gain ! [Brave Chad]_{156-brave chad} however had just excellently spoken . "_{[84-gloriani]} This is [a good little friend of [mine]_1311-mine who knows all about [you]_1312-you and has moreover a message for [you]_1312-you]_{1310-a good little friend of mine who knows all about you and has moreover a message for you} . And this , [[my]_0-i dear]_{1284-my dear} " - [he]_1311-mine had turned to [the child]_{759-the child} [herself]_{759-the child} - "_{[1314-the best man in the world]} is [the best man in [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{1314-the best man in the world} , who has it in [his]_{1314-the best man in the world} power to do a great deal for [us]_1316-us and whom [I]_0-i want [you]_1312-you to like and revere as nearly as possible as much as [I]_0-i do . " [She]_{759-the child} stood there quite pink , a little frightened , prettier and prettier and not a bit like [[her]_{759-the child} mother]_{3347-her mother} . There was in this last particular no resemblance but that of [youth to youth]_{3624-youth to youth} ; and here was in fact suddenly [Strether]_82-strether 's sharpest impression . It went wondering , dazed , embarrassed , back to [the woman [he]_82-strether had just been talking with]_{3625-the woman he had just been talking with} ; it was a revelation in the light of which [he]_82-strether already saw [she]_{759-the child} would become more interesting . So slim and fresh and fair , [she]_{759-the child} had yet put forth this perfection ; so that for really believing it of [her]_{759-the child} , for seeing [her]_{759-the child} to any such developed degree as [a mother]_{3626-a mother} , comparison would be urgent . Well , what was it now but fairly thrust upon [him]_82-strether ? "_[157-mamma] [Mamma]_157-mamma wishes [me]_0-i to tell [you]_1312-you before [we]_1317-we go , " [the girl]_{1155-the girl} said , "_[157-mamma] that [she]_157-mamma hopes very much [you]_1312-you 'll come to see [us]_1317-we very soon . [She]_157-mamma has something important to say to [you]_1312-you . " "_[157-mamma] [She]_157-mamma quite reproaches [herself]_157-mamma , " [Chad]_111-chad helpfully explained : "_[157-mamma] [you]_1312-you were interesting [her]_157-mamma so much when [she]_157-mamma accidentally suffered [you]_1312-you to be interrupted . " "_[157-mamma] Ah do n't mention it ! " [Strether]_82-strether murmured , looking kindly from one to the other and wondering at many things . "_[157-mamma] And [I]_0-i 'm to ask [you]_1312-you for [myself]_0-i , " [Jeanne]_150-jeanne continued with [her]_0-i hands clasped together as if in some small learnt prayer - "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm to ask [you]_1312-you for [myself]_0-i if [you]_1312-you wo n't positively come . " "_[0-i] Leave it to [me]_0-i , [dear]_1318-dear - [I]_0-i 'll take care of it ! " [Chad]_111-chad genially declared in answer to this , while [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether almost held [his]_82-strether breath . What was in [the girl]_{1155-the girl} was indeed too soft , too unknown for direct dealing ; so that [one]_2797-one could only gaze at it as at a picture , quite staying [one]_2797-one 's own hand . But with [Chad]_111-chad [he]_111-chad was now on ground - [Chad]_111-chad [he]_111-chad could meet ; so pleasant a confidence in that and in everything did [the young man]_{2833-the young man} freely exhale . There was the whole of a story in [his]_{2833-the young man} tone to [[his]_{2833-the young man} companion]_{388-his companion} , and [he]_{2833-the young man} spoke indeed as if already of [the family]_{615-the family} . It made [Strether]_82-strether guess the more quickly what it might be about which [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} was so urgent . Having seen [him]_{2833-the young man} then [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had found [him]_{2833-the young man} easy ; [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wished to have it out with [him]_{2833-the young man} that some way for [the young people]_{3634-the young people} must be discovered , some way that would not impose as a condition the transplantation of [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} . [He]_{2833-the young man} already saw [himself]_{2833-the young man} discussing with [this lady the attractions of [Woollett]_87-woollett as [a residence]_{3637-a residence} for [[Chad]_111-chad 's companion]_{3638-chad 's companion}]_{3636-this lady the attractions of woollett as a residence for chad 's companion} . Was that [youth]_869-youth going now to trust [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} with the affair - so that it would be after all with [one of [his]_{2833-the young man} "_[0-i] lady - friends " that [[his]_{2833-the young man} mother]_{3001-his mother} 's missionary]_{3640-one of his " lady - friends " that his mother 's missionary} should be condemned to deal ? It was quite as if for an instant [the two men]_{267-the two men} looked at [each other]_{2864-each other} on this question . But there was no mistaking at last [Chad]_111-chad 's pride in the display of such a connexion . This was what had made [him]_{2833-the young man} so carry [himself]_{2833-the young man} while , three minutes before , [he]_{2833-the young man} was bringing it into view ; what had caused [[his]_{2833-the young man} friend]_{259-his friend} , first catching sight of [him]_{2833-the young man} , to be so struck with [his]_{2833-the young man} air . It was , in a word , just when [he]_{2833-the young man} thus finally felt [Chad]_111-chad putting things straight off on [him]_{2833-the young man} that [he]_{2833-the young man} envied [him]_{2833-the young man} , as [he]_{2833-the young man} had mentioned to [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , most . The whole exhibition however was but a matter of three or four minutes , and [the author of it]_{3645-the author of it} had soon explained that , as [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} was immediately going "_[0-i] on , " this could be for [Jeanne]_150-jeanne but a snatch . [They]_3646-they would all meet again soon , and [Strether]_82-strether was meanwhile to stay and amuse [himself]_82-strether - "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll pick [you]_1319-you up again in plenty of time . " [He]_82-strether took [the girl]_{1155-the girl} off as [he]_82-strether had brought [her]_{1155-the girl} , and [Strether]_82-strether , with the faint sweet foreignness of [her]_{1155-the girl} "_[0-i] Au revoir , [monsieur]_{1320-monsieur} ! " in [his]_82-strether ears as a note almost unprecedented , watched [them]_3646-they recede side by side and felt how , once more , [[her]_{1155-the girl} companion]_{328-her companion} 's relation to [her]_{1155-the girl} got an accent from it . [They]_3646-they disappeared among [the others]_{544-the others} and apparently into [the house]_{654-the house} ; whereupon [[our]_3651-our friend]_{235-our friend} turned round to give out to [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} the conviction of which [he]_{235-our friend} was full . But there was no [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} any more ; [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had within the few moments , for reasons of [his]_{83-little bilham} own , proceeded further : a circumstance by which , in its order , [Strether]_82-strether was also sensibly affected . [III Chad]_111-chad was not in fact on this occasion to keep [his]_{83-little bilham} promise of coming back ; but [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had soon presented [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} with an explanation of [his]_{83-little bilham} failure . There had been reasons at the last for [his]_{83-little bilham} going off with [ces dames]_{3653-ces dames} ; and [he]_{83-little bilham} had asked [her]_{99-miss gostrey} with much instance to come out and take charge of [[their]_3646-they friend]_{2954-their friend} . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} did so , [Strether]_82-strether felt as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} took [her]_{99-miss gostrey} place beside [him]_{83-little bilham} , in a manner that left nothing to desire . [He]_{83-little bilham} had dropped back on [his]_{83-little bilham} bench , alone again for a time , and the more conscious for [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's defection of [his]_{83-little bilham} unexpressed thought ; in respect to which however [this next converser]_{3655-this next converser} was [a still more capacious vessel]_{3656-a still more capacious vessel} . "_{[1320-monsieur]} It 's [the child]_{759-the child} ! " [he]_{83-little bilham} had exclaimed to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} almost as soon as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} appeared ; and though [her]_{99-miss gostrey} direct response was for some time delayed [he]_{83-little bilham} could feel in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} meanwhile the working of this truth . It might have been simply , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} waited , that [they]_3657-they were now in presence altogether of truth spreading like a flood and not for the moment to be offered [her]_{99-miss gostrey} in the mere cupful ; inasmuch as who should [ces dames]_{3653-ces dames} prove to be but persons about whom - once thus face to face with [them]_{3653-ces dames} - [she]_{99-miss gostrey} found [she]_{99-miss gostrey} might from the first have told [him]_{83-little bilham} almost everything ? This would have freely come had [he]_{83-little bilham} taken the simple precaution of giving [her]_{99-miss gostrey} [their]_3657-they name . There could be no better example - and [she]_{99-miss gostrey} appeared to note it with high amusement - than the way , making things out already so much for [himself]_{83-little bilham} , [he]_{83-little bilham} was at last throwing precautions to the winds . [They]_3657-they were neither more nor less , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} and [[the child]_{759-the child} 's mother]_{3660-the child 's mother} , than [old school]_{3661-old school} - [friends]_2897-friends - [friends who had scarcely met for years but whom this unlooked - for chance]_{3663-friends who had scarcely met for years but whom this unlooked - for chance} had brought together with a rush . It was a relief , [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} hinted , to feel [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} no longer groping ; [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was unaccustomed to grope and as a general thing , [he]_{83-little bilham} might well have seen , made straight enough for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} clue . With the one [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had now picked up in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} hands there need be at least no waste of wonder . "_{[759-the child]} [She]_1322-she 's coming to see [me]_0-i - that 's for [YOU]_1323-you , " [[Strether]_82-strether 's counsellor]_{3664-strether 's counsellor} continued ; "_[1322-she] but [I]_0-i do n't require it to know where [I]_0-i am . " The waste of wonder might be proscribed ; but [Strether]_82-strether , characteristically , was even by this time in the immensity of space . "_[0-i] By which [you]_1323-you mean that [you]_1323-you know where [SHE]_1322-she is ? " [She]_0-i just hesitated . "_[1323-you] [I]_0-i mean that if [she]_1322-she comes to see [me]_0-i [I]_0-i shall - now that [I]_0-i 've pulled [myself]_0-i round a bit after the shock - not be at [home]_2874-home . " [Strether]_82-strether hung poised . "_[1323-you] [You]_1323-you call it - [your]_1323-you recognition - a shock ? " [She]_0-i gave one of [her]_0-i rare flickers of impatience . "_[1323-you] It was a surprise , an emotion . Do n't be so literal . [I]_0-i wash [my]_0-i hands of [her]_1322-she . " [Poor Strether]_82-strether 's face lengthened . "_[0-i] [She]_1322-she 's impossible - ? " "_[1322-she] [She]_1322-she 's even more charming than [I]_0-i remembered [her]_1322-she . " "_[1322-she] Then what 's the matter ? " [She]_0-i had to think how to put it . "_[1322-she] Well , [I'M]_1325-i'm impossible . It 's impossible . Everything 's impossible . " [He]_82-strether looked at [her]_0-i an instant . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see where [you]_1323-you 're coming out . Everything 's possible . " [Their]_3665-their eyes had on it in fact an exchange of some duration ; after which [he]_82-strether pursued : "_[1322-she] Is n't it [that beautiful child]_{1326-that beautiful child} ? " Then as [she]_0-i still said nothing : "_{[1326-that beautiful child]} Why do n't [you]_0-i mean to receive [her]_1322-she ? " [Her]_0-i answer in an instant rang clear . "_[0-i] Because [I]_0-i wish to keep out of the business . " It provoked in [him]_82-strether a weak wail . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 're going to abandon [me]_0-i NOW ? " "_[0-i] No , [I]_0-i 'm only going to abandon [HER]_1322-she . [She]_1322-she 'll want [me]_0-i to help [her]_1322-she with [you]_0-i . And [I]_0-i wo n't . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 'll only help [me]_0-i with [her]_1322-she ? Well then - ! " Most of [the persons previously gathered]_{3666-the persons previously gathered} had , in the interest of tea , passed into [the house]_{654-the house} , and [they]_{3666-the persons previously gathered} had [the gardens]_{3668-the gardens} mainly to [themselves]_{3666-the persons previously gathered} . The shadows were long , the last call of the birds , who had made [a home of [their]_{3666-the persons previously gathered} own in [the noble interspaced quarter]_{3670-the noble interspaced quarter}]_{3669-a home of their own in the noble interspaced quarter} , sounded from the high trees in [the other gardens]_{3671-the other gardens} as well , those of [the old convent]_{3672-the old convent} and of [the old hotels]_{3673-the old hotels} ; it was as if [[our]_3674-our friends]_{3675-our friends} had waited for the full charm to come out . [Strether]_82-strether 's impressions were still present ; it was as if something had happened that "_[0-i] nailed " them , made them more intense ; but [he]_82-strether was to ask [himself]_82-strether soon afterwards , that evening , what really HAD happened - conscious as [he]_82-strether could after all remain that for [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} taken , and taken the first time , into [the "_[0-i] great world]_{3604-the " great world} , " the world of [ambassadors]_{1197-ambassadors} and [duchesses]_{3563-duchesses} , the items made a meagre total . It was nothing new to [him]_82-strether , however , as [we]_3674-our know , that [a man]_{572-a man} might have - at all events [such a man as [he]_{572-a man}]_{3681-such a man as he} - an amount of experience out of any proportion to [his]_{572-a man} adventures ; so that , though it was doubtless no great adventure to sit on there with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} and hear about [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , the hour , the picture , the immediate , the recent , the possible - as well as the communication itself , not a note of which failed to reverberate - only gave the moments more of the taste of history . It was history , to begin with , that [[Jeanne]_150-jeanne 's mother]_{3682-jeanne 's mother} had been three - and - twenty years before , at [Geneva]_40-geneva , [schoolmate]_{3683-schoolmate} and [good girlfriend]_{3684-good girlfriend} to [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie , who had [moreover enjoyed since then , though interruptedly and above all with a long recent drop , other glimpses]_{3685-moreover enjoyed since then , though interruptedly and above all with a long recent drop , other glimpses} of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . Twenty - three years put [them]_3686-them both on , no doubt ; and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - though [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had married straight after [school]_3370-school - could n't be today an hour less than thirty - eight . This made [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ten years older than [Chad]_111-chad - though ten years , also , if [Strether]_82-strether liked , older than [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} looked ; the least , at any rate , that [a prospective mother - in - law]_{3688-a prospective mother - in - law} could be expected to do with . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} would be of all [mothers - in - law the most charming]_{3689-mothers - in - law the most charming} ; unless indeed , through some perversity as yet insupposeable , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} should utterly belie [herself]_{85-madame de vionnet} in that relation . There was none surely in which , as [Maria]_97-mamie remembered [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} must n't be charming ; and this frankly in spite of the stigma of failure in the tie where failure always most showed . It was no test there - when indeed WAS it a test there ? - for [Monsieur de Vionnet]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} had been [a brute]_{3690-a brute} . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} had lived for years apart from [him]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} - which was of course always a horrid position ; but [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's impression of the matter had been that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} could scarce have made a better thing of it had [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} done it on purpose to show [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was amiable . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} was so amiable that [nobody]_270-nobody had had a word to say ; which was luckily not the case for [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} husband]_{460-her husband} . [He]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} was so impossible that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had the advantage of all [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} merits . It was still history for [Strether]_82-strether that [the Comte de Vionnet]_{160-the comte de vionnet} - it being also history that [the lady in question]_{3693-the lady in question} was [a Countess]_{3694-a countess} - should now , under [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's sharp touch , rise before [him]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} as [a high distinguished polished impertinent reprobate , the product of a mysterious order]_{3695-a high distinguished polished impertinent reprobate , the product of a mysterious order} ; it was history , further , that [the charming girl]_{3696-the charming girl} so freely sketched by [[his]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} companion]_{388-his companion} should have been married out of hand by [a mother]_{3626-a mother} , [another figure of striking outline]_{3699-another figure of striking outline} , full of dark personal motive ; it was perhaps history most of all that [this company]_{3700-this company} was , as a matter of course , governed by such considerations as put divorce out of the question . "_[0-i] Ces gens - la do n't divorce , [you]_1327-you know , any more than [they]_1328-they emigrate or abjure - [they]_1328-they think it impious and vulgar " ; a fact in the light of which [they]_1328-they seemed but the more richly special . It was all special ; it was all , for [Strether]_82-strether 's imagination , more or less rich . [The girl at [the Genevese school]_{3702-the genevese school}]_{3701-the girl at the genevese school} , [an isolated interesting attaching creature , then both sensitive and violent]_{3703-an isolated interesting attaching creature , then both sensitive and violent} , audacious but always forgiven , was [the daughter of [a French father]_{3705-a french father}]_{3704-the daughter of a french father} and [an English mother]_{3706-an english mother} who , early left [a widow]_{1184-a widow} , had married again - tried afresh with [a foreigner]_{3708-a foreigner} ; in [her]_{3706-an english mother} career with whom [she]_{3706-an english mother} had apparently given [[her]_{3706-an english mother} child]_{3709-her child} no example of comfort . [All these people]_{3710-all these people} - [the people of the English mother]_{3711-the people of the english mother} 's side - had been of condition more or less eminent ; yet with oddities and disparities that had often since made [Maria]_97-mamie , thinking them over , wonder what [they]_{3710-all these people} really quite rhymed to . It was in any case [her]_97-mamie belief that [the mother]_{758-the mother} , interested and prone to adventure , had been without conscience , had only thought of ridding [herself]_{758-the mother} most quickly of a possible , an actual encumbrance . [The father]_{760-the father} , by [her]_97-mamie impression , [a Frenchman with a name one]_{3714-a frenchman with a name one} knew , had been a different matter , leaving [[his]_{760-the father} child]_{3715-his child} , [she]_97-mamie clearly recalled , a memory all fondness , as well as an assured little fortune which was unluckily to make [her]_97-mamie more or less of a prey later on . [She]_97-mamie had been in particular , at [school]_3370-school , dazzlingly , though quite booklessly , clever ; as polyglot as a little Jewess which [she]_97-mamie was n't , oh no ! and chattering French , English , German , Italian , anything one would , in a way that made a clean sweep , if not of prizes and parchments , at least of every "_[1328-they] part , " whether memorised or improvised , in the curtained costumed school repertory , and in especial of all mysteries of race and vagueness of reference , all swagger about "_[1328-they] [home]_2874-home , " among [[their]_{3710-all these people} variegated mates]_{3717-their variegated mates} . It would doubtless be difficult to - day , as between French and English , to name [her]_97-mamie and place [her]_97-mamie ; [she]_97-mamie would certainly show , on knowledge , [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} felt , as one of those convenient types who do n't keep [you]_3718-you explaining - minds with doors as numerous as the many - tongued cluster of confessionals at [Saint Peter 's]_{41-saint peter 's} . [You]_3718-you might confess to [her]_97-mamie with confidence in [Roumelian]_{161-roumelian} , and even [Roumelian]_{161-roumelian} sins . Therefore - ! But [[Strether]_82-strether 's narrator]_{3719-strether 's narrator} covered [her]_97-mamie implication with a laugh ; a laugh by which [his]_{3719-strether 's narrator} betrayal of a sense of the lurid in the picture was also perhaps sufficiently protected . [He]_{3719-strether 's narrator} had a moment of wondering , while [[his]_{3719-strether 's narrator} friend]_{259-his friend} went on , what sins might be especially [Roumelian]_{161-roumelian} . [She]_97-mamie went on at all events to the mention of [her]_97-mamie having met [the young thing]_{3721-the young thing} - again by [some Swiss lake]_{3722-some swiss lake} - in [her]_97-mamie first married state , which had appeared for the few intermediate years not at least violently disturbed . [She]_97-mamie had been lovely at that moment , delightful to [HER]_97-mamie , full of responsive emotion , of amused recognitions and amusing reminders , and then once more , much later , after a long interval , equally but differently charming - touching and rather mystifying for the five minutes of an encounter at [a railway - station]_{3723-a railway - station} en [province]_{3724-province} , during which it had come out that [her]_97-mamie life was all changed . [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had understood enough to see , essentially , what had happened , and yet had beautifully dreamed that [she]_97-mamie was [herself]_97-mamie faultless . There were doubtless depths in [her]_97-mamie , but [she]_97-mamie was all right ; [Strether]_82-strether would see if [she]_97-mamie was n't . [She]_97-mamie was [another person]_{892-another person} however - that had been promptly marked - from [the small child of nature]_{3726-the small child of nature} at [the Geneva school]_{3727-the geneva school} , [a little person quite made over as [foreign women WERE]_{3729-foreign women were}]_{3728-a little person quite made over as foreign women were} , compared with [American]_{3730-american} by marriage . [Her]_97-mamie situation too had evidently cleared itself up ; there would have been - all that was possible - a judicial separation . [She]_97-mamie had settled in [Paris]_1-paris , brought up [[her]_97-mamie daughter]_{3444-her daughter} , steered [[her]_97-mamie boat]_{3732-her boat} . It was [no very pleasant boat]_{3733-no very pleasant boat} - especially there - to be in ; but [Marie de Vionnet]_162-maria would have headed straight . [She]_97-mamie would have [friends]_2897-friends , certainly - and [very good ones]_{3735-very good ones} . There [she]_97-mamie was at all events - and it was very interesting . [Her]_97-mamie knowing [Mr. Chad]_111-chad did n't in the least prove [she]_97-mamie had [n't friends]_{3736-n't friends} ; what it proved was what good ones [HE]_111-chad had . "_[1328-they] [I]_0-i saw that , " said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_[1328-they] that night at [the Francais]_{1330-the francais} ; it came out for [me]_0-i in three minutes . [I]_0-i saw [HER]_1331-she - or somebody like [her]_1331-she . And so , " [she]_0-i immediately added , "_[1332-him] did [you]_1332-him . " "_[1332-him] Oh no - [not anybody like [her]_1331-she]_{1333-not anybody like her} ! " [Strether]_82-strether laughed . "_[1332-him] But [you]_0-i mean , " [he]_82-strether as promptly went on , "_[1331-she] that [she]_1331-she has had such an influence on [him]_1332-him ? " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} was on [her]_{99-miss gostrey} feet ; it was time for [them]_3737-their to go . "_[1331-she] [She]_1331-she has brought [him]_1332-him up for [[her]_1331-she daughter]_{3444-her daughter} . " [Their]_3737-their eyes , as so often , in candid conference , through [their]_3737-their settled glasses , met over it long ; after which [Strether]_82-strether 's again took in [the whole place]_{3738-the whole place} . [They]_3737-their were quite alone [there]_311-there now . "_[1331-she] Must n't [she]_1331-she rather - in the time then - have rushed it ? " "_[1331-she] Ah [she]_1331-she wo n't of course have lost an hour . But that 's just [the good mother]_{1335-the good mother} - the good French one . [You]_1336-you must remember that of [her]_1331-she - that as [a mother]_{3626-a mother} [she]_1331-she 's French , and that for [them]_1338-them there 's a special providence . It precisely however - that [she]_1331-she may n't have been able to begin as far back as [she]_1331-she 'd have liked - makes [her]_1331-she grateful for aid . " [Strether]_82-strether took this in as [they]_3737-their slowly moved to [the house]_{654-the house} on [their]_3737-their way out . "_[1331-she] [She]_1331-she counts on [me]_0-i then to put the thing through ? " "_[1331-she] Yes - [she]_1331-she counts on [you]_0-i . Oh and first of all of course , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} added , "_[1331-she] on [her]_1331-she - well , convincing [you]_0-i . " "_[1331-she] Ah , " [[her]_0-i friend]_{547-her friend} returned , ' [she]_1331-she caught [Chad]_111-chad young ! "_[1331-she] " Yes , but there are [women]_350-women who are for all [your]_0-i ' times of life . ' [They]_350-women 're the most wonderful sort . "_[0-i] [She]_0-i had laughed the words out , but [they]_1339-they brought [[her]_0-i companion]_{328-her companion} , the next thing , to a stand . " Is what [you]_0-i mean that [she]_1331-she 'll try to make a fool of [me]_1339-they ? "_[1339-they] " Well , [I]_1331-she 'm wondering what [she]_1331-she WILL - with an opportunity - make . "_[1331-she] " What do [you]_0-i call , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether asked , " an opportunity ? [My]_82-strether going to see [her]_1331-she ? "_{[82-strether]} " Ah [you]_82-strether must go to see [her]_1331-she "_[1331-she] - [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} was a trifle evasive . " [You]_82-strether ca n't not do that . [You]_82-strether 'd have gone to see [the other woman]_{3743-the other woman} . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} mean if there had been one - a different sort . It 's what [you]_82-strether came out for . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} It might be ; but [Strether]_82-strether distinguished . " [I]_82-strether did n't come out to see THIS sort . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had a wonderful look at [him]_82-strether now . " Are [you]_82-strether disappointed [she]_1331-she is n't worse ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [He]_82-strether for a moment entertained the question , then found for it the frankest of answers . " Yes . If [she]_1331-she were worse [she]_1331-she 'd be better for [our]_3744-our purpose . It would be simpler . "_{[82-strether]} " Perhaps , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} admitted . " But wo n't this be pleasanter ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Ah [you]_{99-miss gostrey} know , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether promptly replied , " [I]_82-strether did n't come out - was n't that just what [you]_{99-miss gostrey} originally reproached [me]_82-strether with ? - for the pleasant . "_{[82-strether]} " Precisely . Therefore [I]_{99-miss gostrey} say again what [I]_{99-miss gostrey} said at first . [You]_82-strether must take things as they come . Besides , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} added , " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm not afraid for [myself]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " For [yourself]_{99-miss gostrey} - ? "_{[82-strether]} " Of [your]_{99-miss gostrey} seeing [her]_1331-she . [I]_82-strether trust [her]_1331-she . There 's nothing [she]_1331-she 'll say about [me]_82-strether . In fact there 's nothing [she]_1331-she CAN . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether wondered - little as [he]_82-strether had thought of this . Then [he]_82-strether broke out . " Oh [[you]_{99-miss gostrey} women]_{3745-you women} ! "_{[82-strether]} There was something in it at which [she]_{99-miss gostrey} flushed . " Yes - there [we]_1341-they are . [We]_1341-they 're abysses . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} At last [she]_{99-miss gostrey} smiled . " But [I]_{99-miss gostrey} risk [her]_1331-she ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [He]_82-strether gave [himself]_82-strether a shake . " Well then so do [I]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} But [he]_82-strether added as [they]_1341-they passed into [the house]_{654-the house} that [he]_82-strether would see [Chad]_111-chad the first thing in the morning . This was the next day the more easily effected that [the young man]_{2833-the young man} , as it happened , even before [he]_{2833-the young man} was down , turned up at [[his]_{2833-the young man} hotel]_{567-his hotel} . [Strether]_82-strether took [his]_82-strether coffee , by habit , in [the public room]_{420-the public room} ; but on [his]_{2833-the young man} descending for this purpose [Chad]_111-chad instantly proposed an adjournment to what [he]_{2833-the young man} called greater privacy . [He]_{2833-the young man} had [himself]_{2833-the young man} as yet had nothing - [they]_1341-they would sit down somewhere together ; and when after a few steps and a turn into [the Boulevard]_{1346-the boulevard} [they]_1341-they had , for [their]_1341-they greater privacy , sat down among [twenty others]_{1347-twenty others} , [[our]_1348-our friend]_{235-our friend} saw in [[his]_{2833-the young man} companion]_{388-his companion} 's move a fear of the advent of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . It was the first time [Chad]_111-chad had to that extent given [this personage]_{319-this personage} " away "_[111-chad] ; and [Strether]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether wondering of what it was symptomatic . [He]_82-strether made out in a moment that [the youth]_{804-the youth} was in earnest as [he]_82-strether had n't yet seen [him]_{804-the youth} ; which in its turn threw a ray perhaps a trifle startling on what [they]_1341-they had each up to that time been treating as earnestness . It was sufficiently flattering however that the real thing - if this WAS at last the real thing - should have been determined , as appeared , precisely by an accretion of [Strether]_82-strether 's importance . For this was what it quickly enough came to - that [Chad]_111-chad , rising with the lark , had rushed down to let [him]_{804-the youth} know while [his]_{804-the youth} morning consciousness was yet young that [he]_{804-the youth} had literally made the afternoon before a tremendous impression . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} would n't , could n't rest till [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} should have some assurance from [him]_{804-the youth} that [he]_{804-the youth} WOULD consent again to see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . The announcement was made , across [their]_1341-they marble - topped table , while the foam of the hot milk was in [their]_1341-they cups and its plash still in the air , with the smile of [Chad]_111-chad 's easiest urbanity ; and this expression of [his]_111-chad face caused [[our]_1353-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's doubts to gather on the spot into a challenge of the lips . " See here "_[111-chad] - that was all ; [he]_111-chad only for the moment said again " See here . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad met it with all [his]_111-chad air of straight intelligence , while [Strether]_82-strether remembered again that fancy of the first impression of [him]_111-chad , [the happy young Pagan]_{1355-the happy young pagan} , handsome and hard but oddly indulgent , whose mysterious measure [he]_{804-the youth} had under the street - lamp tried mentally to take . [The young Pagan]_142-pagan , while a long look passed between [them]_1341-they , sufficiently understood . [Strether]_82-strether scarce needed at last to say the rest - " [I]_82-strether want to know where [I]_82-strether am . "_{[82-strether]} But [he]_82-strether said it , adding before any answer something more . " Are [you]_111-chad engaged to be married - is that [your]_111-chad secret ? - to [the young lady]_{1154-the young lady} ? "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad shook [his]_111-chad head with the slow amenity that was one of [his]_111-chad ways of conveying that there was time for everything . " [I]_111-chad have no secret - though [I]_111-chad may have secrets ! [I]_111-chad have n't at any rate that one . [We]_1341-they 're not engaged . No . "_[111-chad] " Then where 's the hitch ? "_[111-chad] " Do [you]_111-chad mean why [I]_111-chad have n't already started with [you]_111-chad ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad , beginning [his]_111-chad coffee and buttering [his]_111-chad roll , was quite ready to explain . " Nothing would have induced [me]_82-strether - nothing will still induce [me]_82-strether - not to try to keep [you]_111-chad [here]_3103-here as long as [you]_111-chad can be made to stay . It 's too visibly good for [you]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had [himself]_82-strether plenty to say about this , but it was amusing also to measure the march of [Chad]_111-chad 's tone . [He]_111-chad had never been more [a man of [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{3263-a man of the world} , and it was always in [his]_111-chad company present to [[our]_1358-our friend]_{235-our friend} that [one]_2797-one was seeing how in successive connexions [a man of the world]_{3263-a man of the world} acquitted [himself]_{3263-a man of the world} . [Chad]_111-chad kept it up beautifully . " [My]_1362-my idea - voyons ! - is simply that [you]_111-chad should let [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} know [you]_111-chad , simply that [you]_111-chad should consent to know [HER]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [I]_1362-my do n't in the least mind telling [you]_111-chad that , clever and charming as [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} is , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's ever so much in [my]_1362-my confidence . All [I]_1362-my ask of [you]_111-chad is to let [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} talk to [you]_111-chad . [You]_111-chad 've asked [me]_1362-my about what [you]_111-chad call [my]_1362-my hitch , and so far as it goes [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} 'll explain it to [you]_111-chad . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's [herself]_{85-madame de vionnet} [my]_1362-my hitch , hang it - if [you]_111-chad must really have it all out . But in a sense , "_[1362-my] [he]_1362-my hastened in the most wonderful manner to add , " that [you]_111-chad 'll quite make out for [yourself]_111-chad . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's too good [a friend]_{2787-a friend} , confound [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . Too good , [I]_1362-my mean , for [me]_1362-my to leave without - without - "_[1362-my] It was [his]_1362-my first hesitation . " Without what ? "_[1362-my] " Well , without [my]_1362-my arranging somehow or other the damnable terms of [my]_1362-my sacrifice . "_[1362-my] " [It]_3749-it WILL be a sacrifice then ? "_[1362-my] " It will be the greatest loss [I]_1362-my ever suffered . [I]_1362-my owe [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} so much . "_[1362-my] It was beautiful , the way [Chad]_111-chad said these things , and [his]_111-chad plea was now confessedly - oh quite flagrantly and publicly - interesting . The moment really took on for [Strether]_82-strether an intensity . [Chad]_111-chad owed [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} so much ? What DID that do then but clear up the whole mystery ? [He]_111-chad was indebted for alterations , and [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was thereby in a position to have sent in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} bill for expenses incurred in reconstruction . What was this at bottom but what had been to be arrived at ? [Strether]_82-strether sat there arriving at it while [he]_82-strether munched toast and stirred [his]_82-strether second cup . To do this with the aid of [Chad]_111-chad 's pleasant earnest face was also to do more besides . No , never before had [he]_82-strether been so ready to take [him]_111-chad as [he]_111-chad was . What was it that had suddenly so cleared up ? It was just [everybody]_{1363-everybody} 's character ; that is [everybody]_{1363-everybody} 's but - in a measure - [his]_111-chad own . [Strether]_82-strether felt [HIS]_82-strether character receive for the instant a smutch from all the wrong things [he]_82-strether had suspected or believed . The person to whom [Chad]_111-chad owed [it]_1365-it that [he]_111-chad could positively turn out such a comfort to [other persons]_{2860-other persons} - [such a person]_{1367-such a person} was sufficiently raised above any " breath "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} by the nature of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} work and [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's steady light . All of which was vivid enough to come and go quickly ; though indeed in the midst of it [Strether]_82-strether could utter a question . " Have [I]_111-chad [your]_82-strether word of honour that if [I]_111-chad surrender [myself]_111-chad to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} [you]_82-strether 'll surrender [yourself]_82-strether to [me]_111-chad ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad laid [his]_111-chad hand firmly on [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} 's . " [[My]_111-chad dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , [you]_{2940-my dear man} have it . "_[111-chad] There was finally something in [his]_82-strether felicity almost embarrassing and oppressive - [Strether]_82-strether had begun to fidget under it for the open air and the erect posture . [He]_82-strether had signed to the waiter that [he]_82-strether wished to pay , and this transaction took some moments , during which [he]_82-strether thoroughly felt , while [he]_82-strether put down money and pretended - it was quite hollow - to estimate change , that [Chad]_111-chad 's higher spirit , [his]_111-chad youth , [his]_111-chad practice , [his]_111-chad paganism , [his]_111-chad felicity , [his]_111-chad assurance , [his]_111-chad impudence , whatever it might be , had consciously scored a success . Well , that was all right so far as it went ; [his]_82-strether sense of the thing in question covered [[our]_1370-our friend]_{235-our friend} for a minute like a veil through which - as if [he]_82-strether had been muffled - [he]_82-strether heard [[his]_82-strether interlocutor]_{887-his interlocutor} ask [him]_82-strether if [he]_{887-his interlocutor} might n't take [him]_82-strether over about five . " Over "_{[887-his interlocutor]} was over [the river]_{720-the river} , and over [the river]_{720-the river} was where [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} lived , and five was that very afternoon . [They]_1375-they got at last out of [the place]_{2826-the place} - got out before [he]_82-strether answered . [He]_82-strether lighted , in [the street]_{356-the street} , a cigarette , which again gave [him]_82-strether more time . But it was already sharp for [him]_82-strether that there was no use in time . " What does [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} propose to do to [me]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether had presently demanded . [Chad]_111-chad had no delays . " Are [you]_0-i afraid of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_[111-chad] " Oh immensely . Do n't [you]_0-i see it ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Well , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad , ' [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wo n't do anything worse to [you]_82-strether than make [you]_82-strether like [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} It 's just of that [I]_0-i 'm afraid . " "_[0-i] Then it 's not fair to [me]_0-i . " [Strether]_82-strether cast about . "_[0-i] It 's fair to [[your]_82-strether mother]_{1043-your mother} . " "_[0-i] Oh , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_[0-i] are [you]_82-strether afraid of [HER]_{1043-your mother} ? " "_{[82-strether]} Scarcely less . Or perhaps even more . But is [this lady]_{327-this lady} against [your]_82-strether interests at [home]_2874-home ? " [Strether]_82-strether went on . "_{[327-this lady]} Not directly , no doubt ; but [she]_{327-this lady} 's greatly in favour of [them]_1381-them here . " "_{[327-this lady]} And what - ' here ' - does [she]_{327-this lady} consider [them]_1381-them to be ? " "_{[327-this lady]} Well , good relations ! " "_{[327-this lady]} With [herself]_{327-this lady} ? " "_{[327-this lady]} With [herself]_{327-this lady} . " "_{[327-this lady]} And what is it that makes [them]_1381-them so good ? " "_{[327-this lady]} What ? Well , that 's exactly what [you]_82-strether 'll make out if [you]_82-strether 'll only go , as [I]_0-i 'm supplicating [you]_82-strether , to see [her]_{1043-your mother} . " [Strether]_82-strether stared at [him]_82-strether with a little of the wanness , no doubt , that the vision of more to "_[0-i] make out " could scarce help producing . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mean HOW good are [they]_1381-them ? " "_[1381-them] Oh awfully good . " Again [Strether]_82-strether had faltered , but it was brief . It was all very well , but there was nothing now [he]_82-strether would n't risk . "_[1381-them] Excuse [me]_0-i , but [I]_0-i must really - as [I]_0-i began by telling [you]_82-strether - know where [I]_0-i am . Is [she]_{1043-your mother} bad ? " "_{[1043-your mother]} ' Bad ' ? " - [Chad]_111-chad echoed it , but without a shock . "_{[1043-your mother]} Is that what 's implied - ? " "_{[1043-your mother]} When relations are good ? " [Strether]_82-strether felt a little silly , and was even conscious of a foolish laugh , at having it imposed on [him]_82-strether to have appeared to speak so . What indeed was [he]_82-strether talking about ? [His]_82-strether stare had relaxed ; [he]_82-strether looked now all round [him]_82-strether . But something in [him]_82-strether brought [him]_82-strether back , though [he]_82-strether still did n't know quite how to turn it . The two or three ways [he]_82-strether thought of , and one of them in particular , were , even with scruples dismissed , too ugly . [He]_82-strether none the less at last found something . "_{[1043-your mother]} Is [her]_{1043-your mother} life without reproach ? " It struck [him]_82-strether , directly [he]_82-strether had found it , as pompous and priggish ; so much so that [he]_82-strether was thankful to [Chad]_111-chad for taking it only in the right spirit . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} spoke so immensely to the point that the effect was practically of positive blandness . "_{[1043-your mother]} Absolutely without reproach . A beautiful life . Allez donc voir ! " These last words were , in the liberality of [their]_3752-their confidence , so imperative that [Strether]_82-strether went through no form of assent ; but before [they]_3752-their separated it had been confirmed that [he]_82-strether should be picked up at a quarter to five . Book Sixth [I]_0-i It was quite by half - past five - after [the two men]_{267-the two men} had been together in [[Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's drawing - room]_{3754-madame de vionnet 's drawing - room} not more than a dozen minutes - that [Chad]_111-chad , with a look at [his]_111-chad watch and then another at [[their]_3752-their hostess]_{3167-their hostess} , said genially , gaily : "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've an engagement , and [I]_0-i know [you]_1382-you wo n't complain if [I]_0-i leave [him]_1383-him with [you]_1382-you . [He]_1383-him 'll interest [you]_1382-you immensely ; and as for [her]_1384-her , " [he]_111-chad declared to [Strether]_82-strether , "_[1384-her] [I]_0-i assure [you]_1382-you , if [you]_1382-you 're at all nervous , [she]_1384-her 's perfectly safe . " [He]_111-chad had left [them]_3752-their to be embarrassed or not by this guarantee , as [they]_3752-their could best manage , and embarrassment was a thing that [Strether]_82-strether was n't at first sure [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} escaped . [He]_82-strether escaped it [himself]_82-strether , to [his]_82-strether surprise ; but [he]_82-strether had grown used by this time to thinking of [himself]_82-strether as brazen . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} occupied , [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} , in [the Rue de Bellechasse]_{3757-the rue de bellechasse} , the first floor of [an old house to which [[our]_3759-our visitors]_{3760-our visitors} had had access from [an old clean court]_{3761-an old clean court}]_{3758-an old house to which our visitors had had access from an old clean court} . [The court]_{3762-the court} was large and open , full of revelations , for [[our]_3759-our friend]_{235-our friend} , of the habit of privacy , the peace of intervals , the dignity of distances and approaches ; [the house]_{654-the house} , to [his]_82-strether restless sense , was in the high homely style of an elder day , and [the ancient [Paris]_1-paris that [he]_82-strether was always looking for - sometimes intensely felt , sometimes more acutely missed]_{3765-the ancient paris that he was always looking for - sometimes intensely felt , sometimes more acutely missed} - was in the immemorial polish of the wide waxed staircase and in the fine boiseries , the medallions , mouldings , mirrors , great clear spaces , of the greyish - white salon into which [he]_82-strether had been shown . [He]_82-strether seemed at the very outset to see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} in the midst of possessions not vulgarly numerous , but hereditary cherished charming . While [his]_82-strether eyes turned after a little from those of [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} and [Chad]_111-chad freely talked - not in the least about [HIM]_82-strether , but about [other people]_{515-other people} , people [he]_82-strether did n't know , and quite as if [he]_82-strether did know [them]_{515-other people} - [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether making out , as a background of [the occupant]_{970-the occupant} , some glory , some prosperity of the First Empire , some Napoleonic glamour , some dim lustre of the great legend ; elements clinging still to all the consular chairs and mythological brasses and sphinxes ' heads and faded surfaces of satin striped with alternate silk . [The place]_{2826-the place} itself went further back - that [he]_82-strether guessed , and how old [Paris]_1-paris continued in a manner to echo [there]_311-there ; but the post - revolutionary period , the world [he]_82-strether vaguely thought of as [the world of [Chateaubriand]_{42-chateaubriand}]_{3771-the world of chateaubriand} , of [Madame de Stael]_{163-madame de stael} , even of [the young Lamartine]_{3772-the young lamartine} , had left its stamp of harps and urns and torches , a stamp impressed on sundry small objects , ornaments and relics . [He]_82-strether had never before , to [his]_82-strether knowledge , had present to [him]_82-strether relics , of any special dignity , of a private order - little old miniatures , medallions , pictures , books ; books in leather bindings , pinkish and greenish , with gilt garlands on the back , ranged , together with other promiscuous properties , under the glass of brass - mounted cabinets . [His]_82-strether attention took them all tenderly into account . [They]_3773-they were among the matters that marked [[Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's apartment]_{3774-madame de vionnet 's apartment} as something quite different from [[Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's little museum of bargains]_{3775-miss gostrey 's little museum of bargains} and from [[Chad]_111-chad 's lovely home]_{3776-chad 's lovely home} ; [he]_82-strether recognised [it]_{3774-madame de vionnet 's apartment} as founded much more on old accumulations that had possibly from time to time shrunken than on any contemporary method of acquisition or form of curiosity . [Chad]_111-chad and [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had rummaged and purchased and picked up and exchanged , sifting , selecting , comparing ; whereas [the mistress of the scene before [him]_82-strether]_{3777-the mistress of the scene before him} , [beautifully passive under the spell of transmission]_{3778-beautifully passive under the spell of transmission} - transmission from [[her]_{3777-the mistress of the scene before him} father]_{3779-her father} 's line , [he]_82-strether quite made up [his]_82-strether mind - had only received , accepted and been quiet . When [she]_{3777-the mistress of the scene before him} had n't been quiet [she]_{3777-the mistress of the scene before him} had been moved at the most to some occult charity for some fallen fortune . There had been objects [she]_{3777-the mistress of the scene before him} or [[her]_{3777-the mistress of the scene before him} predecessors]_{3780-her predecessors} might even conceivably have parted with under need , but [Strether]_82-strether could n't suspect [them]_3781-them of having sold old pieces to get "_[1384-her] better " ones . [They]_3781-them would have felt no difference as to better or worse . [He]_82-strether could but imagine [their]_3781-them having felt - perhaps in emigration , in proscription , for [his]_82-strether sketch was slight and confused - the pressure of want or the obligation of sacrifice . The pressure of want - whatever might be the case with the other force - was , however , presumably not active now , for the tokens of a chastened ease still abounded after all , many marks of a taste whose discriminations might perhaps have been called eccentric . [He]_82-strether guessed at intense little preferences and sharp little exclusions , a deep suspicion of the vulgar and a personal view of the right . The general result of this was something for which [he]_82-strether had no name on the spot quite ready , but something [he]_82-strether would have come nearest to naming in speaking of it as the air of supreme respectability , the consciousness , small , still , reserved , but none the less distinct and diffused , of private honour . The air of supreme respectability - that was a strange blank wall for [his]_82-strether adventure to have brought [him]_82-strether to break [his]_82-strether nose against . It had in fact , as [he]_82-strether was now aware , filled all the approaches , hovered in [the court]_{3762-the court} as [he]_82-strether passed , hung on the staircase as [he]_82-strether mounted , sounded in the grave rumble of the old bell , as little electric as possible , of which [Chad]_111-chad , at the door , had pulled the ancient but neatly - kept tassel ; it formed in short the clearest medium of its particular kind that [he]_82-strether had ever breathed . [He]_82-strether would have answered for it at the end of a quarter of an hour that some of the glass cases contained swords and epaulettes of [ancient colonels]_{3783-ancient colonels} and [generals]_{1200-generals} ; medals and orders once pinned over hearts that had long since ceased to beat ; snuff - boxes bestowed on [ministers]_{3785-ministers} and [envoys]_3786-envoys ; copies of works presented , with inscriptions , by [authors now classic]_{3787-authors now classic} . At bottom of it all for [him]_82-strether was the sense of [her]_3788-her rare unlikeness to [the women [he]_82-strether had known]_{3789-the women he had known} . This sense had grown , since the day before , the more [he]_82-strether recalled [her]_3788-her , and had been above all singularly fed by [his]_82-strether talk with [Chad]_111-chad in the morning . Everything in fine made [her]_3788-her immeasurably new , and nothing so new as [the old house]_{3790-the old house} and the old objects . There were books , two or three , on a small table near [his]_82-strether chair , but they had n't the lemon - coloured covers with which [his]_82-strether eye had begun to dally from the hour of [his]_82-strether arrival and to the opportunity of a further acquaintance with which [he]_82-strether had for a fortnight now altogether succumbed . On another table , across [the room]_{413-the room} , [he]_82-strether made out the great Revue ; but even that familiar face , conspicuous in [[Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's parlours]_{3792-mrs. newsome 's parlours} , scarce counted here as a modern note . [He]_82-strether was sure on the spot - and [he]_82-strether afterwards knew [he]_82-strether was right - that this was a touch of [Chad]_111-chad 's own hand . What would [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} say to the circumstance that [Chad]_111-chad 's interested "_[1385-you] influence " kept [her]_3788-her paper - knife in the Revue ? The interested influence at any rate had , as [we]_3793-we say , gone straight to the point - had in fact soon left it quite behind . [She]_3788-her was seated , near the fire , on a small stuffed and fringed chair one of the few modern articles in [the room]_{413-the room} , and [she]_3788-her leaned back in [it]_3795-it with [her]_3788-her hands clasped in [her]_3788-her lap and no movement , in all [her]_3788-her person , but the fine prompt play of [her]_3788-her deep young face . The fire , under the low white marble , undraped and academic , had burnt down to the silver ashes of light wood , one of the windows , at a distance , stood open to the mildness and stillness , out of which , in the short pauses , came the faint sound , pleasant and homely , almost rustic , of a plash and a clatter of sabots from [some coach - house on the other side of [the court]_{3762-the court}]_{3796-some coach - house on the other side of the court} . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , while [Strether]_82-strether sat there , was n't to shift [her]_0-i posture by an inch . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't think [you]_1385-you seriously believe in what [you]_1385-you 're doing , " [she]_0-i said ; "_[1385-you] but all the same , [you]_1385-you know , [I]_0-i 'm going to treat [you]_1385-you quite as if [I]_0-i did . " "_[0-i] By which [you]_1385-you mean , " [Strether]_82-strether directly replied , "_[1385-you] quite as if [you]_1385-you did n't ! [I]_0-i assure [you]_1385-you it wo n't make the least difference with [me]_0-i how [you]_1385-you treat [me]_0-i . " "_[1385-you] Well , " [she]_0-i said , taking that menace bravely and philosophically enough , "_[1385-you] the only thing that really matters is that [you]_1385-you shall get on with [me]_0-i . " "_[1385-you] Ah but [I]_0-i do n't ! " [he]_1385-you immediately returned . It gave [her]_0-i another pause ; which , however , [she]_0-i happily enough shook off . "_[0-i] Will [you]_1385-you consent to go on with [me]_0-i a little - provisionally - as if [you]_1385-you did ? " Then it was that [he]_1385-you saw how [she]_0-i had decidedly come all the way ; and there accompanied it an extraordinary sense of [her]_0-i raising from somewhere below [him]_1385-you [her]_0-i beautiful suppliant eyes . [He]_1385-you might have been perched at [his]_1385-you door - step or at [his]_1385-you window and [she]_0-i standing in [the road]_{3798-the road} . For a moment [he]_1385-you let [her]_0-i stand and could n't moreover have spoken . It had been sad , of a sudden , with a sadness that was like a cold breath in [his]_1385-you face . "_[1385-you] What can [I]_0-i do , " [he]_1385-you finally asked , "_[0-i] but listen to [you]_1385-you as [I]_0-i promised [Chadwick]_110-chadwick ? " "_[0-i] Ah but what [I]_0-i 'm asking [you]_0-i , " [she]_0-i quickly said , "_[0-i] is n't what [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} had in mind . " [She]_0-i spoke at present , [he]_1385-you saw , as if to take courageously ALL [her]_0-i risk . "_{[114-mr. newsome]} This is [my]_0-i own idea and a different thing . " It gave [poor Strether]_82-strether in truth - uneasy as it made [him]_1385-you too - something of the thrill of a bold perception justified . "_[0-i] Well , " [he]_1385-you answered kindly enough , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was sure a moment since that some idea of [your]_1385-you own had come to [you]_1385-you . " [She]_0-i seemed still to look up at [him]_1385-you , but now more serenely . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i made out [you]_0-i were sure - and that helped it to come . So [you]_0-i see , " [she]_0-i continued , "_[0-i] [we]_1386-they do get on . " "_[0-i] Oh but it appears to [me]_0-i [I]_0-i do n't at all meet [your]_0-i request . How can [I]_0-i when [I]_0-i do n't understand it ? " "_[0-i] It is n't at all necessary [you]_0-i should understand ; it will do quite well enough if [you]_0-i simply remember it . Only feel [I]_0-i trust [you]_0-i - and for nothing so tremendous after all . Just , " [she]_0-i said with a wonderful smile , "_[111-chad] for common civility . " [Strether]_82-strether had a long pause while [they]_1386-they sat again face to face , as [they]_1386-they had sat , scarce less conscious , before [the poor lady]_{3799-the poor lady} had crossed [the stream]_{3800-the stream} . [She]_{3799-the poor lady} was [the poor lady for [Strether]_82-strether]_{3801-the poor lady for strether} now because clearly [she]_{3799-the poor lady} had some trouble , and [her]_{3799-the poor lady} appeal to [him]_82-strether could only mean that [her]_{3799-the poor lady} trouble was deep . [He]_82-strether could n't help it ; it was n't [his]_82-strether fault ; [he]_82-strether had done nothing ; but by a turn of the hand [she]_0-i had somehow made [their]_1386-they encounter a relation . And the relation profited by a mass of things that were not strictly in it or of it ; by the very air in which [they]_1386-they sat , by [the high cold delicate room]_{3802-the high cold delicate room} , by [the world outside]_{3803-the world outside} and the little plash in [the court]_{3762-the court} , by the First Empire and the relics in the stiff cabinets , by matters as far off as those and by others as near as the unbroken clasp of [her]_0-i hands in [her]_0-i lap and the look [her]_0-i expression had of being most natural when [her]_0-i eyes were most fixed . "_[1387-you] [You]_1387-you count upon [me]_0-i of course for something really much greater than it sounds . " "_[1387-you] Oh it sounds great enough too ! " [she]_0-i laughed at this . [He]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether in time on the point of telling [her]_0-i that [she]_0-i was , as [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} called it , wonderful ; but , catching [himself]_82-strether up , [he]_82-strether said something else instead . "_[1387-you] What was it [Chad]_111-chad 's idea then that [you]_0-i should say to [me]_0-i ? " "_[111-chad] Ah [his]_111-chad idea was simply what [a man]_{572-a man} 's idea always is - to put every effort off on [the woman]_{629-the woman} . " "_{[1390-the ' woman]} [The ' woman]_{1390-the ' woman} ' - ? " [Strether]_82-strether slowly echoed . "_{[1390-the ' woman]} [The woman [he]_111-chad likes]_{1391-the woman he likes} - and just in proportion as [he]_111-chad likes [her]_{629-the woman} . In proportion too - for shifting the trouble - as [she]_{629-the woman} likes [HIM]_111-chad . " [Strether]_82-strether followed it ; then with an abruptness of [his]_82-strether own : "_{[629-the woman]} How much do [you]_0-i like [Chad]_111-chad ? " "_[0-i] Just as much as THAT - to take all , with [you]_0-i , on [myself]_0-i . " But [she]_0-i got at once again away from this . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've been trembling as if [we]_1392-we were to stand or fall by what [you]_0-i may think of [me]_0-i ; and [I]_0-i 'm even now , " [she]_0-i went on wonderfully , "_[0-i] drawing a long breath - and , yes , truly taking a great courage - from the hope that [I]_0-i do n't in fact strike [you]_0-i as impossible . " "_[0-i] That 's at all events , clearly , " [he]_111-chad observed after an instant , "_[0-i] the way [I]_0-i do n't strike [YOU]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Well , " [she]_0-i so far assented , "_[0-i] as [you]_0-i have n't yet said [you]_0-i WON'T have the little patience with [me]_0-i [I]_0-i ask for - " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i draw splendid conclusions ? Perfectly . But [I]_0-i do n't understand them , " [Strether]_82-strether pursued . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i seem to [me]_0-i to ask for much more than [you]_0-i need . What , at the worst for [you]_0-i , what at the best for [myself]_0-i , can [I]_0-i after all do ? [I]_0-i can use no pressure that [I]_0-i have n't used . [You]_0-i come really late with [your]_0-i request . [I]_0-i 've already done all that for [myself]_0-i the case admits of . [I]_0-i 've said [my]_0-i say , and here [I]_0-i am . " "_[0-i] Yes , here [you]_0-i are , fortunately ! " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} laughed . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , " [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} added in another tone , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} did n't think [you]_0-i can do so little . " [He]_3805-he had an hesitation , but [he]_3805-he brought the words out . "_[1393-she] Well , [she]_1393-she thinks so now . " "_[1393-she] Do [you]_0-i mean by that - ? " But [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} also hung fire . "_[0-i] Do [I]_0-i mean what ? " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} still rather faltered . "_[0-i] Pardon [me]_0-i if [I]_0-i touch on it , but if [I]_0-i 'm saying extraordinary things , why , perhaps , may n't [I]_0-i ? Besides , does n't it properly concern [us]_1394-us to know ? " "_[0-i] To know what ? " [he]_3805-he insisted as after thus beating about the bush [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had again dropped . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} made the effort . "_[0-i] Has [she]_1393-she given [you]_0-i up ? " [He]_3805-he was amazed afterwards to think how simply and quietly [he]_3805-he had met it . "_[1393-she] Not yet . " It was almost as if [he]_3805-he were a trifle disappointed - had expected still more of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} freedom . But [he]_3805-he went straight on . "_[1393-she] Is that what [Chad]_111-chad has told [you]_0-i will happen to [me]_0-i ? " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} was evidently charmed with the way [he]_3805-he took it . "_[111-chad] If [you]_0-i mean if [we]_1394-us 've talked of it - most certainly . And the question 's not what has had least to do with [my]_0-i wishing to see [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] To judge if [I]_0-i 'm the sort of man [a woman]_{3063-a woman} CAN - ? " "_{[3063-a woman]} Precisely , " [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} exclaimed - "_[0-i] [[you]_0-i wonderful gentleman]_{1396-you wonderful gentleman} ! [I]_0-i do judge - [I]_0-i HAVE judged . [A woman]_{3063-a woman} ca n't . [You]_0-i 're safe - with every right to be . [You]_0-i 'd be much happier if [you]_0-i 'd only believe it . " [Strether]_82-strether was silent a little ; then [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether speaking with a cynicism of confidence of which even at the moment the sources were strange to [him]_82-strether . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i try to believe it . But it 's a marvel , " [he]_82-strether exclaimed , "_[0-i] how [YOU]_0-i already get at it ! " Oh [she]_0-i was able to say . "_[0-i] Remember how much [I]_0-i was on the way to it through [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} - before [I]_0-i saw [you]_0-i . [He]_{114-mr. newsome} thinks everything of [your]_0-i strength . " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Well , [I]_0-i can bear almost anything ! " [[our]_3806-their friend]_{235-our friend} briskly interrupted . Deep and beautiful on this [her]_0-i smile came back , and with the effect of making [him]_82-strether hear what [he]_82-strether had said just as [she]_0-i had heard it . [He]_82-strether easily enough felt that it gave [him]_82-strether away , but what in truth had everything done but that ? It had been all very well to think at moments that [he]_82-strether was holding [her]_0-i nose down and that [he]_82-strether had coerced [her]_0-i : what had [he]_82-strether by this time done but let [her]_0-i practically see that [he]_82-strether accepted [their]_3806-their relation ? What was [their]_3806-their relation moreover - though light and brief enough in form as yet - but whatever [she]_0-i might choose to make it ? Nothing could prevent [her]_0-i - certainly [he]_82-strether could n't - from making it pleasant . At the back of [his]_82-strether head , behind everything , was the sense that [she]_0-i was - there , before [him]_82-strether , close to [him]_82-strether , in vivid imperative form - [one of [the rare women [he]_82-strether had so often heard of , read of , thought of , but never met , whose very presence , look , voice]_{3809-the rare women he had so often heard of , read of , thought of , but never met , whose very presence , look , voice} , [the mere contemporaneous FACT of whom , from the moment it was at all presented , made a relation of mere recognition]_{3810-the mere contemporaneous fact of whom , from the moment it was at all presented , made a relation of mere recognition} . That was not [the kind of woman [he]_82-strether had ever found [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome}]_{3811-the kind of woman he had ever found mrs. newsome} , a contemporaneous fact who had been distinctly slow to establish [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome}]_{3808-one of the rare women he had so often heard of , read of , thought of , but never met , whose very presence , look , voice , the mere contemporaneous fact of whom , from the moment it was at all presented , made a relation of mere recognition . that was not the kind of woman he had ever found mrs. newsome , a contemporaneous fact who had been distinctly slow to establish herself} ; and at present , confronted with [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , [he]_82-strether felt the simplicity of [his]_82-strether original impression of [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [She]_0-i certainly had been a fact of rapid growth ; but [the world]_{2804-the world} was wide , each day was more and more a new lesson . There were at any rate even among [the stranger ones]_{3813-the stranger ones} relations and relations . "_[0-i] Of course [I]_0-i suit [Chad]_111-chad 's grand way , " [he]_82-strether quickly added . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad has n't had much difficulty in working [me]_0-i in . " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} seemed to deny a little , on [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's behalf , by the rise of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} eyebrows , an intention of any process at all inconsiderate . "_[111-chad] [You]_0-i must know how grieved [he]_111-chad 'd be if [you]_0-i were to lose anything . [He]_111-chad believes [you]_0-i can keep [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} patient . " [Strether]_82-strether wondered with [his]_82-strether eyes on [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . "_[111-chad] [I]_0-i see . THAT 'S then what [you]_0-i really want of [me]_0-i . And how am [I]_0-i to do it ? Perhaps [you]_0-i 'll tell [me]_0-i that . " "_[0-i] Simply tell [her]_{3001-his mother} the truth . " "_[0-i] And what do [you]_0-i call the truth ? " "_[0-i] Well , any truth - about [us]_1399-us all - that [you]_0-i see [yourself]_0-i . [I]_0-i leave it to [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Thank [you]_0-i very much . [I]_0-i like , " [Strether]_82-strether laughed with a slight harshness , "_[0-i] the way [you]_0-i leave things ! " But [she]_0-i insisted kindly , gently , as if it was n't so bad . "_[0-i] Be perfectly honest . Tell [her]_{3001-his mother} all . " "_[0-i] All ? " [he]_82-strether oddly echoed . "_[0-i] Tell [her]_{3001-his mother} the simple truth , " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} again pleaded . "_[0-i] But what is the simple truth ? The simple truth is exactly what [I]_0-i 'm trying to discover . " [She]_0-i looked about a while , but presently [she]_0-i came back to [him]_82-strether . "_{[3001-his mother]} Tell [her]_{3001-his mother} , fully and clearly , about [US]_1399-us . " [Strether]_82-strether meanwhile had been staring . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i and [[your]_0-i daughter]_{1400-your daughter} ? " "_[0-i] Yes - [little Jeanne]_150-jeanne and [me]_0-i . Tell [her]_{3001-his mother} , " [she]_0-i just slightly quavered , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i like [us]_1399-us . " "_[1399-us] And what good will that do [me]_0-i ? Or rather " - [he]_82-strether caught [himself]_82-strether up - "_{[3001-his mother]} what good will it do [YOU]_0-i ? " [She]_0-i looked graver . "_[0-i] None , [you]_0-i believe , really ? " [Strether]_82-strether debated . "_{[3001-his mother]} [She]_{3001-his mother} did n't send [me]_0-i out to ' like ' [you]_0-i . " "_{[3001-his mother]} Oh , " [she]_0-i charmingly contended , ' [she]_{3001-his mother} sent [you]_0-i out to face the facts . "_[1401-he] [He]_1401-he admitted after an instant that there was something in that . " But how can [I]_1401-he face [them]_3815-them till [I]_1401-he know what [they]_3815-them are ? Do [you]_{3001-his mother} want [him]_1401-he , "_[1401-he] [he]_1401-he then braced [himself]_1401-he to ask , " to marry [[your]_{3001-his mother} daughter]_{1400-your daughter} ? "_[1401-he] [She]_{3001-his mother} gave a headshake as noble as it was prompt . " No - not that . "_{[3001-his mother]} " And [he]_1401-he really does n't want to [himself]_1401-he ? "_{[3001-his mother]} [She]_{3001-his mother} repeated the movement , but now with a strange light in [her]_{3001-his mother} face . " [He]_1401-he likes [her]_{1400-your daughter} too much . "_{[3001-his mother]} [Strether]_82-strether wondered . " To be willing to consider , [you]_{3001-his mother} mean , the question of taking [her]_{1400-your daughter} to [America]_17-america ? "_{[3001-his mother]} " To be willing to do anything with [her]_{1400-your daughter} but be immensely kind and nice - really tender of [her]_{1400-your daughter} . [We]_3817-we watch over [her]_{1400-your daughter} , and [you]_82-strether must help [us]_3817-we . [You]_82-strether must see [her]_{1400-your daughter} again . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether felt awkward . " Ah with pleasure - [she]_{1400-your daughter} 's so remarkably attractive . "_{[758-the mother]} [The mother]_{758-the mother} 's eagerness with which [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} jumped at this was to come back to [him]_82-strether later as beautiful in its grace . " The dear thing DID please [you]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} Then as [he]_82-strether met it with the largest " Oh ! "_{[82-strether]} of enthusiasm : " [She]_{1400-your daughter} 's perfect . [She]_{1400-your daughter} 's [my]_82-strether joy . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [I]_82-strether 'm sure that - if one were near [her]_{1400-your daughter} and saw more of [her]_{1400-your daughter} - [she]_{1400-your daughter} 'd be [mine]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " Then , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} said [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , " tell [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} that ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [He]_82-strether wondered the more . " What good will that do [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} As [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} appeared unable at once to say , however , [he]_82-strether brought out something else . " Is [[your]_{85-madame de vionnet} daughter]_{1400-your daughter} in love with [[our]_3819-our friend]_{235-our friend} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Ah , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} rather startlingly answered , " [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} wish [you]_82-strether 'd find out ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [He]_82-strether showed [his]_82-strether surprise . " [I]_82-strether ? [A stranger]_{399-a stranger} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [you]_82-strether wo n't be [a stranger]_{399-a stranger} - presently . [You]_82-strether shall see [her]_{1400-your daughter} quite , [I]_82-strether assure [you]_82-strether , as if [you]_82-strether were n't . "_{[82-strether]} It remained for [him]_82-strether none the less an extraordinary notion . " It seems to [me]_82-strether surely that if [[her]_{1400-your daughter} mother]_{3347-her mother} ca n't - "_{[82-strether]} " [Ah]_3824-ah [little girls]_{3825-little girls} and [[their]_{3825-little girls} mothers]_{3826-their mothers} to - day ! "_[1403-she] [she]_1403-she rather inconsequently broke in . But [she]_1403-she checked [herself]_1403-she with something [she]_1403-she seemed to give out as after all more to the point . " Tell [her]_{1400-your daughter} [I]_1403-she 've been good for [him]_82-strether . Do n't [you]_1403-she think [I]_1403-she have ? "_[1403-she] It had its effect on [him]_82-strether - more than at the moment [he]_82-strether quite measured . Yet [he]_82-strether was consciously enough touched . " Oh if it 's all [you]_1403-she - ! "_{[82-strether]} " Well , it may not be ' all , ' "_[1403-she] [she]_1403-she interrupted , " but it 's to a great extent . Really and truly , "_[1403-she] [she]_1403-she added in a tone that was to take its place with [him]_82-strether among things remembered . " Then it 's very wonderful . "_[1403-she] [He]_82-strether smiled at [her]_1403-she from a face that [he]_82-strether felt as strained , and [her]_1403-she own face for a moment kept [him]_82-strether so . At last [she]_1403-she also got up . " Well , do n't [you]_82-strether think that for that - "_[1403-she] " [I]_1403-she ought to save [you]_1403-she ? "_[1403-she] So it was that the way to meet [her]_1403-she - and the way , as well , in a manner , to get off - came over [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether heard [himself]_82-strether use the exorbitant word , the very sound of which helped to determine [his]_82-strether flight . " [I]_82-strether 'll save [you]_1403-she if [I]_82-strether can . "_{[82-strether]} II In [[Chad]_111-chad 's lovely [home]_2874-home]_{3776-chad 's lovely home} , however , one evening ten days later , [he]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether present at the collapse of the question of [Jeanne de Vionnet]_150-jeanne 's shy secret . [He]_82-strether had been dining [there]_311-there in the company of [that young lady]_{1407-that young lady} and [[her]_{1407-that young lady} mother]_{3347-her mother} , as well as of [other persons]_{2860-other persons} , and [he]_82-strether had gone into [the petit salon]_{1410-the petit salon} , at [Chad]_111-chad 's request , on purpose to talk with [her]_{1407-that young lady} . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} had put this to [him]_111-chad as a favour - " [I]_{2833-the young man} should like so awfully to know what [you]_111-chad think of [her]_{1407-that young lady} . It will really be a chance for [you]_111-chad , "_{[2833-the young man]} [he]_{2833-the young man} had said , " to see [the jeune fille]_{3827-the jeune fille} - [I]_{2833-the young man} mean the type - as [she]_{1407-that young lady} actually is , and [I]_{2833-the young man} do n't think that , as [an observer of manners]_{3828-an observer of manners} , it 's a thing [you]_111-chad ought to miss . It will be an impression that - whatever else [you]_111-chad take - [you]_111-chad can carry [home]_2874-home with [you]_111-chad , where [you]_111-chad 'll find again so much to compare it with . "_{[2833-the young man]} [Strether]_82-strether knew well enough with what [Chad]_111-chad wished [him]_82-strether to compare it , and though [he]_82-strether entirely assented [he]_82-strether had n't yet somehow been so deeply reminded that [he]_82-strether was being , as [he]_82-strether constantly though mutely expressed it , used . [He]_82-strether was as far as ever from making out exactly to what end ; but [he]_82-strether was none the less constantly accompanied by a sense of the service [he]_82-strether rendered . [He]_82-strether conceived only that this service was highly agreeable to [those who profited by it]_{1412-those who profited by it} ; and [he]_82-strether was indeed still waiting for the moment at which [he]_82-strether should catch it in the act of proving disagreeable , proving in some degree intolerable , to [himself]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether failed quite to see how [his]_82-strether situation could clear up at all logically except by some turn of events that would give [him]_82-strether the pretext of disgust . [He]_82-strether was building from day to day on the possibility of disgust , but each day brought forth meanwhile a new and more engaging bend of [the road]_{3798-the road} . That possibility was now ever so much further from sight than on the eve of [his]_82-strether arrival , and [he]_82-strether perfectly felt that , should it come at all , it would have to be at best inconsequent and violent . [He]_82-strether struck [himself]_82-strether as a little nearer to it only when [he]_82-strether asked [himself]_82-strether what service , in such a life of utility , [he]_82-strether was after all rendering [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . When [he]_82-strether wished to help [himself]_82-strether to believe that [he]_82-strether was still all right [he]_82-strether reflected - and in fact with wonder - on the unimpaired frequency of [their]_1414-their correspondence ; in relation to which what was after all more natural than that it should become more frequent just in proportion as [their]_1414-their problem became more complicated ? Certain it is at any rate that [he]_82-strether now often brought [himself]_82-strether balm by the question , with the rich consciousness of yesterday 's letter , " Well , what can [I]_82-strether do more than that - what can [I]_82-strether do more than tell [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} everything ? "_{[82-strether]} To persuade [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether did tell [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , had told [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , everything , [he]_82-strether used to try to think of particular things [he]_82-strether had n't told [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . When at rare moments and in the watches of the night [he]_82-strether pounced on one it generally showed itself to be - to a deeper scrutiny - not quite truly of the essence . When anything new struck [him]_82-strether as coming up , or anything already noted as reappearing , [he]_82-strether always immediately wrote , as if for fear that if [he]_82-strether did n't [he]_82-strether would miss something ; and also that [he]_82-strether might be able to say to [himself]_82-strether from time to time " [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} knows it NOW - even while [I]_82-strether worry . "_{[82-strether]} It was a great comfort to [him]_82-strether in general not to have left past things to be dragged to light and explained ; not to have to produce at so late a stage anything not produced , or anything even veiled and attenuated , at the moment . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} knew it now : that was what [he]_82-strether said to [himself]_82-strether to - night in relation to the fresh fact of [Chad]_111-chad 's acquaintance with [the two ladies]_{614-the two ladies} - not to speak of the fresher one of [his]_82-strether own . [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} knew in other words that very night at [Woollett]_87-woollett that [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether knew [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and that [he]_82-strether had conscientiously been to see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ; also that [he]_82-strether had found [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} remarkably attractive and that there would probably be a good deal more to tell . But [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} further knew , or would know very soon , that , again conscientiously , [he]_82-strether had n't repeated [his]_82-strether visit ; and that when [Chad]_111-chad had asked [him]_82-strether on [the Countess]_{1416-the countess} 's behalf - [Strether]_82-strether made [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} out vividly , with a thought at the back of [his]_82-strether head , [a Countess]_{3694-a countess} - if [he]_82-strether would n't name a day for dining with [her]_{1416-the countess} , [he]_82-strether had replied lucidly : " Thank [you]_{88-mrs. newsome} very much - impossible . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether had begged [the young man]_{2833-the young man} would present [his]_82-strether excuses and had trusted [him]_{2833-the young man} to understand that it could n't really strike one as quite the straight thing . [He]_82-strether had n't reported to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} that [he]_82-strether had promised to ' save " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ; but , so far as [he]_82-strether was concerned with that reminiscence , [he]_82-strether had n't at any rate promised to haunt [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} house]_{3830-her house} . What [Chad]_111-chad had understood could only , in truth , be inferred from [Chad]_111-chad 's behaviour , which had been in this connexion as easy as in every other . [He]_111-chad was easy , always , when [he]_111-chad understood ; [he]_111-chad was easier still , if possible , when [he]_111-chad did n't ; [he]_111-chad had replied that [he]_111-chad would make it all right ; and [he]_111-chad had proceeded to do this by substituting the present occasion - as [he]_111-chad was ready to substitute [others]_2890-others - for any , for every occasion as to which [[his]_111-chad old friend]_{3204-his old friend} should have a funny scruple . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Oh but [I]_0-i 'm not [a little foreign girl]_{1419-a little foreign girl} ; [I]_0-i 'm just as English as [I]_0-i can be , " [Jeanne de Vionnet]_150-jeanne had said to [him]_111-chad as soon as , in [the petit salon]_{1410-the petit salon} , [he]_111-chad sank , shyly enough on [his]_111-chad own side , into the place near [her]_150-jeanne vacated by [Madame Gloriani]_84-gloriani at [his]_111-chad approach . [Madame Gloriani , who was in black velvet , with white lace and powdered hair , and whose somewhat massive majesty melted , at any contact , into the graciousness of some incomprehensible tongue]_{3834-madame gloriani , who was in black velvet , with white lace and powdered hair , and whose somewhat massive majesty melted , at any contact , into the graciousness of some incomprehensible tongue} , moved away to make room for [the vague gentleman]_{3835-the vague gentleman} , after benevolent greetings to [him]_111-chad which embodied , as [he]_111-chad believed , in baffling accents , some recognition of [his]_111-chad face from a couple of Sundays before . Then [he]_111-chad had remarked - making the most of the advantage of [his]_111-chad years - that it frightened [him]_111-chad quite enough to find [himself]_111-chad dedicated to the entertainment of [a little foreign girl]_{1419-a little foreign girl} . There were [girls]_583-girls [he]_111-chad was n't afraid of - [he]_111-chad was quite bold with [little Americans]_{164-little americans} . Thus it was that [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had defended [herself]_{1419-a little foreign girl} to the end - "_[0-i] Oh but [I]_0-i 'm [almost American]_{1420-almost american} too . That 's what [mamma]_1421-mamma has wanted [me]_0-i to be - [I]_0-i mean LIKE that ; for [she]_1421-mamma has wanted [me]_0-i to have lots of freedom . [She]_1421-mamma has known such good results from it . " [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} was fairly beautiful to [him]_111-chad - a faint pastel in an oval frame : [he]_111-chad thought of [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} already as of some lurking image in [a long gallery]_{3838-a long gallery} , the portrait of [a small old - time princess of whom nothing was known but that [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had died young]_{3839-a small old - time princess of whom nothing was known but that she had died young} . [Little Jeanne]_150-jeanne was n't , doubtless , to die young , but [one]_2797-one could n't , all the same , bear on [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} lightly enough . It was bearing hard , it was bearing as [HE]_111-chad , in any case , would n't bear , to concern [himself]_111-chad , in relation to [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} , with the question of [a young man]_{2991-a young man} . Odious really the question of [a young man]_{2991-a young man} ; [one]_2797-one did n't treat [such a person]_{1367-such a person} as [a maid - servant suspected of a "_[1421-mamma] follower]_{3845-a maid - servant suspected of a " follower} . " And then [young men]_{3846-young men} , [young men]_{3846-young men} - well , the thing was [their]_{3846-young men} business simply , or was at all events [hers]_{1419-a little foreign girl} . [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} was fluttered , fairly fevered - to the point of a little glitter that came and went in [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} eyes and a pair of pink spots that stayed in [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} cheeks - with the great adventure of dining out and with [the greater one]_{3848-the greater one} still , possibly , of finding [a gentleman whom [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} must think of as very , very old , [a gentleman with eye - glasses , wrinkles , a long grizzled moustache]_{3850-a gentleman with eye - glasses , wrinkles , a long grizzled moustache}]_{3849-a gentleman whom she must think of as very , very old , a gentleman with eye - glasses , wrinkles , a long grizzled moustache} . [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} spoke the prettiest English , [[our]_3851-our friend]_{235-our friend} thought , that [he]_{235-our friend} had ever heard spoken , just as [he]_{235-our friend} had believed [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} a few minutes before to be speaking the prettiest French . [He]_{235-our friend} wondered almost wistfully if such a sweep of the lyre did n't react on the spirit itself ; and [his]_{235-our friend} fancy had in fact , before [he]_{235-our friend} knew it , begun so to stray and embroider that [he]_{235-our friend} finally found [himself]_{235-our friend} , absent and extravagant , sitting with [the child]_{759-the child} in a friendly silence . Only by this time [he]_{235-our friend} felt [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} flutter to have fortunately dropped and that [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} was more at [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} ease . [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} trusted [him]_{235-our friend} , liked [him]_{235-our friend} , and it was to come back to [him]_{235-our friend} afterwards that [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had told [him]_{235-our friend} things . [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had dipped into the waiting medium at last and found neither surge nor chill - nothing but the small splash [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} could [herself]_{1419-a little foreign girl} make in the pleasant warmth , nothing but the safety of dipping and dipping again . At the end of the ten minutes [he]_{235-our friend} was to spend with [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} [his]_{235-our friend} impression - with all it had thrown off and all it had taken in - was complete . [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had been free , as [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} knew freedom , partly to show [him]_{235-our friend} that , unlike [other little persons [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} knew]_{3854-other little persons she knew} , [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had imbibed that ideal . [She]_{1419-a little foreign girl} was delightfully quaint about [herself]_{1419-a little foreign girl} , but the vision of what [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had imbibed was what most held [him]_{235-our friend} . It really consisted , [he]_{235-our friend} was soon enough to feel , in just one great little matter , the fact that , whatever [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} nature , [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} was thoroughly - [he]_{235-our friend} had to cast about for the word , but it came - bred . [He]_{235-our friend} could n't of course on so short an acquaintance speak for [her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} nature , but the idea of breeding was what [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} had meanwhile dropped into [his]_{235-our friend} mind . [He]_{235-our friend} had never yet known it so sharply presented . [[Her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} mother]_{3347-her mother} gave it , no doubt ; but [[her]_{1419-a little foreign girl} mother]_{3347-her mother} , to make that less sensible , gave so much else besides , and on neither of the two previous occasions , [extraordinary woman]_{3857-extraordinary woman} , [Strether]_82-strether felt , anything like what [she]_{1419-a little foreign girl} was giving tonight . [Little Jeanne]_150-jeanne was a case , an exquisite case of education ; whereas [the Countess]_{1416-the countess} , whom it so amused [him]_{235-our friend} to think of by that denomination , was a case , also exquisite , of - well , [he]_{235-our friend} did n't know what . "_[1421-mamma] [He]_1422-he has wonderful taste , [notre jeune homme]_{1423-notre jeune homme} " : this was what [Gloriani]_84-gloriani said to [him]_{235-our friend} on turning away from the inspection of a small picture suspended near the door of [the room]_{413-the room} . [The high celebrity in question]_{3860-the high celebrity in question} had just come in , apparently in search of [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} , but while [Strether]_82-strether had got up from beside [her]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} [[their]_3861-their fellow guest]_{3862-their fellow guest} , with [his]_{235-our friend} eye sharply caught , had paused for a long look . The thing was a landscape , of no size , but of the French school , as [[our]_3861-their friend]_{235-our friend} was glad to feel [he]_{235-our friend} knew , and also of a quality - which [he]_{235-our friend} liked to think [he]_{235-our friend} should also have guessed ; [its]_3864-its frame was large out of proportion to the canvas , and [he]_{235-our friend} had never seen [a person]_{3307-a person} look at anything , [he]_{235-our friend} thought , just as [Gloriani]_84-gloriani , with [his]_{235-our friend} nose very near and quick movements of the head from side to side and bottom to top , examined this feature of [Chad]_111-chad 's collection . [The artist]_{2811-the artist} used that word the next moment smiling courteously , wiping [his]_{235-our friend} nippers and looking round [him]_{235-our friend} further - paying the place in short by the very manner of [his]_{235-our friend} presence and by something [Strether]_82-strether fancied [he]_82-strether could make out in this particular glance , such a tribute as , to [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's sense , settled many things once for all . [Strether]_82-strether was conscious at this instant , for that matter , as [he]_82-strether had n't yet been , of how , round about [him]_82-strether , quite without [him]_82-strether , [they]_3868-they WERE consistently settled . [Gloriani]_84-gloriani 's smile , deeply Italian , [he]_82-strether considered , and finely inscrutable , had had for [him]_82-strether , during dinner , at which [they]_3868-they were not [neighbours]_{3869-neighbours} , an indefinite greeting ; but the quality in it was gone that had appeared on the other occasion to turn [him]_82-strether inside out ; it was as if even the momentary link supplied by the doubt between [them]_3868-they had snapped . [He]_82-strether was conscious now of the final reality , which was that there was n't so much a doubt as a difference altogether ; all the more that over the difference [the famous sculptor]_{3870-the famous sculptor} seemed to signal almost condolingly , yet oh how vacantly ! as across some great flat sheet of water . [He]_{3870-the famous sculptor} threw out the bridge of a charming hollow civility on which [Strether]_82-strether would n't have trusted [his]_82-strether own full weight a moment . That idea , even though but transient and perhaps belated , had performed the office of putting [Strether]_82-strether more at [his]_82-strether ease , and the blurred picture had already dropped - dropped with the sound of something else said and with [his]_82-strether becoming aware , by another quick turn , that [Gloriani]_84-gloriani was now on the sofa talking with [Jeanne]_150-jeanne , while [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had in [his]_82-strether ears again the familiar friendliness and the elusive meaning of the "_[1421-mamma] Oh , oh , oh ! " that had made [him]_82-strether , a fortnight before , challenge [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} in vain . [She]_{131-miss barrace} had always the air , this picturesque and original lady , who struck [him]_82-strether , so oddly , as both antique and modern - [she]_{131-miss barrace} had always the air of taking up some joke that [one]_2797-one had already had out with [her]_{131-miss barrace} . The point itself , no doubt , was what was antique , and the use [she]_{131-miss barrace} made of it what was modern . [He]_82-strether felt just now that [her]_{131-miss barrace} good - natured irony did bear on something , and it troubled [him]_82-strether a little that [she]_{131-miss barrace} would n't be more explicit only assuring [him]_82-strether , with the pleasure of observation so visible in [her]_{131-miss barrace} , that [she]_{131-miss barrace} would n't tell [him]_82-strether more for [the world]_{2804-the world} . [He]_82-strether could take refuge but in asking [her]_{131-miss barrace} what [she]_{131-miss barrace} had done with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , though it must be added that [he]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether a little on the way to a clue after [she]_{131-miss barrace} had answered that [this personage]_{319-this personage} was , in [the other room]_{3874-the other room} , engaged in conversation with [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_82-strether stared a moment at the image of such a conjunction ; then , for [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} 's benefit , [he]_82-strether wondered . "_[1421-mamma] Is [she]_1424-she too then under the charm - ? " "_[1424-she] No , not a bit " - [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} was prompt . "_[1424-she] [She]_1424-she makes nothing of [him]_1425-him . [She]_1424-she 's bored . [She]_1424-she wo n't help [you]_1426-you with [him]_1425-him . " "_[1424-she] Oh , " [Strether]_82-strether laughed , ' [she]_1424-she ca n't do everything . "_[1424-she] Of course not - wonderful as [she]_1424-she is . Besides , [he]_1425-him makes nothing of [HER]_1424-she . [She]_1424-she wo n't take [him]_1425-him from [me]_0-i - though [she]_1424-she would n't , no doubt , having other affairs in hand , even if [she]_1424-she could . [I]_0-i 've never , " said [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , ' seen [her]_1424-she fail with [any one]_{2912-any one} before . And to - night , when [she]_1424-she 's so magnificent , it would seem to [her]_1424-she strange - if [she]_1424-she minded . So at any rate [I]_82-strether have [him]_1425-him all . Je suis tranquille ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether understood , so far as that went ; but [he]_82-strether was feeling for [his]_82-strether clue . " [She]_1424-she strikes [you]_82-strether to - night as particularly magnificent ? "_{[82-strether]} " Surely . Almost as [I]_82-strether 've never seen [her]_1424-she . Does n't [she]_1427-she [you]_82-strether ? Why it 's FOR [you]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether persisted in [his]_82-strether candour . " ' For ' [me]_82-strether - ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh , oh , oh ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} cried [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , who persisted in the opposite of that quality . " Well , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether acutely admitted , ' [she]_1427-she IS different . [She]_1427-she 's gay . " "_[1427-she] [She]_1427-she 's gay ! " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} laughed . "_[1427-she] And [she]_1427-she has beautiful shoulders - though there 's nothing different in that . " "_[1427-she] No , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[1427-she] one was sure of [her]_1427-she shoulders . It is n't [her]_1427-she shoulders . " [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} , with renewed mirth and the finest sense , between the puffs of [her]_{388-his companion} cigarette , of the drollery of things , appeared to find [their]_1428-we conversation highly delightful . "_[1427-she] Yes , it is n't [her]_1427-she shoulders . " "_[1427-she] What then is it ? " [Strether]_82-strether earnestly enquired . "_[1427-she] Why , it 's [SHE]_1427-she - simply . It 's [her]_1427-she mood . It 's [her]_1427-she charm . " "_[1427-she] Of course it 's [her]_1427-she charm , but [we]_1428-we 're speaking of the difference . " "_[1428-we] Well , " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} explained , ' [she]_1427-she 's just brilliant , as [we]_1428-we used to say . That 's all . [She]_1427-she 's various . [She]_1427-she 's [fifty women]_{3877-fifty women} . "_[1428-we] " Ah but only one "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether kept it clear - " at a time . "_{[82-strether]} " Perhaps . But in fifty times - ! "_[1428-we] " Oh [we]_1428-we sha n't come to that , "_{[235-our friend]} [[our]_1428-we friend]_{235-our friend} declared ; and the next moment [he]_{235-our friend} had moved in another direction . " Will [you]_{131-miss barrace} answer [me]_{235-our friend} a plain question ? Will [she]_1427-she ever divorce ? "_{[235-our friend]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} looked at [him]_{235-our friend} through all [her]_{131-miss barrace} tortoise - shell . " Why should [she]_1427-she ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} It was n't what [he]_{235-our friend} had asked for , [he]_{235-our friend} signified ; but [he]_{235-our friend} met it well enough . " To marry [Chad]_111-chad . "_{[235-our friend]} " Why should [she]_1427-she marry [Chad]_111-chad ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Because [I]_{131-miss barrace} 'm convinced [she]_1427-she 's very fond of [him]_111-chad . [She]_1427-she has done wonders for [him]_111-chad . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Well then , how could [she]_1427-she do more ? Marrying [a man , or woman]_{3878-a man , or woman} either , "_{[235-our friend]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} sagely went on , " is never the wonder for [any Jack]_{3879-any jack} and [Jill]_165-jill can bring THAT off . The wonder is [their]_{3879-any jack} doing such things without marrying . "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Strether]_82-strether considered a moment this proposition . " [You]_82-strether mean it 's so beautiful for [[our]_3880-our friends]_{3675-our friends} simply to go on so ? "_{[82-strether]} But whatever [he]_82-strether said made [her]_{131-miss barrace} laugh . " Beautiful . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether nevertheless insisted . " And THAT because it 's disinterested ? "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{131-miss barrace} was now , however , suddenly tired of the question . " Yes then - call it that . Besides , [she]_1427-she 'll never divorce . Do n't , moreover , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} added , " believe everything [you]_82-strether hear about [[her]_1427-she husband]_{460-her husband} . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " [He]_{460-her husband} 's not then , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether asked , " [a wretch]_{3883-a wretch} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh yes . But charming . "_{[82-strether]} " Do [you]_82-strether know [him]_{460-her husband} ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " [I]_82-strether 've met [him]_{460-her husband} . [He]_{460-her husband} 's bien aimable . "_{[82-strether]} " To every one but [[his]_{460-her husband} wife]_{458-his wife} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh for all [I]_{131-miss barrace} know , to [her]_1427-she too - to any , to [every woman]_{3885-every woman} . [I]_{131-miss barrace} hope [you]_82-strether at any rate , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} pursued with a quick change , " appreciate the care [I]_{131-miss barrace} take of [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Oh immensely . "_{[82-strether]} But [Strether]_82-strether was not yet in line . " At all events , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether roundly brought out , " the attachment 's [an innocent one]_{3886-an innocent one} . "_{[82-strether]} " [Mine]_{131-miss barrace} and [his]_{460-her husband} ? Ah , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} laughed , " do n't rob it of ALL interest ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} " [I]_82-strether mean [[our]_3887-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's here - to [the lady [we]_3887-our 've been speaking of]_{3889-the lady we 've been speaking of} . "_{[82-strether]} That was what [he]_82-strether had settled to as an indirect but none the less closely involved consequence of [his]_82-strether impression of [Jeanne]_150-jeanne . That was where [he]_82-strether meant to stay . " It 's innocent , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether repeated - " [I]_82-strether see the whole thing . "_{[82-strether]} Mystified by [his]_82-strether abrupt declaration , [she]_{131-miss barrace} had glanced over at [Gloriani]_84-gloriani as at the unnamed subject of [his]_82-strether allusion , but the next moment [she]_{131-miss barrace} had understood ; though indeed not before [Strether]_82-strether had noticed [her]_{131-miss barrace} momentary mistake and wondered what might possibly be behind that too . [He]_82-strether already knew that [the sculptor]_{3486-the sculptor} admired [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ; but did this admiration also represent an attachment of which the innocence was discussable ? [He]_82-strether was moving verily in a strange air and on ground not of the firmest . [He]_82-strether looked hard for an instant at [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , but [she]_{131-miss barrace} had already gone on . " All right with [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} ? Why of course [she]_{131-miss barrace} is ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} - and [she]_{131-miss barrace} got gaily back to the question of [[her]_{131-miss barrace} own good friend]_{1431-her own good friend} . " [I]_{131-miss barrace} dare say [you]_82-strether 're surprised that [I]_{131-miss barrace} 'm not worn out with all [I]_{131-miss barrace} see - it being so much ! - of [Sitting Bull]_{166-sitting bull} . But [I]_{131-miss barrace} 'm not , [you]_82-strether know - [I]_{131-miss barrace} do n't mind [him]_{166-sitting bull} ; [I]_{131-miss barrace} bear up , and [we]_3890-we get on beautifully . [I]_{131-miss barrace} 'm very strange ; [I]_{131-miss barrace} 'm like that ; and often [I]_{131-miss barrace} ca n't explain . There are [people who are supposed interesting or remarkable or whatever]_{3891-people who are supposed interesting or remarkable or whatever} , and who bore [me]_{131-miss barrace} to death ; and then there are others as to whom [nobody]_270-nobody can understand what [anybody]_3126-anybody sees in [them]_{3891-people who are supposed interesting or remarkable or whatever} - in whom [I]_{131-miss barrace} see no end of things . "_{[131-miss barrace]} Then after [she]_1432-she had smoked a moment , " [He]_{166-sitting bull} 's touching , [you]_82-strether know , "_[1432-she] [she]_1432-she said . " ' Know ' ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether echoed - " do n't [I]_82-strether , indeed ? [We]_3890-we must move [you]_1432-she almost to tears . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh but [I]_1432-she do n't mean [YOU]_82-strether ! "_[1432-she] [she]_1432-she laughed . " [You]_82-strether ought to then , for the worst sign of all - as [I]_1432-she must have it for [you]_82-strether - is that [you]_82-strether ca n't help [me]_1432-she . That 's when [a woman]_{3063-a woman} pities . "_[1432-she] " Ah but [I]_1432-she do help [you]_82-strether ! "_[1432-she] [she]_1432-she cheerfully insisted . Again [he]_82-strether looked at [her]_1432-she hard , and then after a pause : " No [you]_1432-she do n't ! "_{[82-strether]} [Her]_1432-she tortoise - shell , on its long chain , rattled down . " [I]_82-strether help [you]_82-strether with [Sitting Bull]_{166-sitting bull} . That 's a good deal . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh that , yes . "_{[82-strether]} But [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " Do [you]_1432-she mean [he]_82-strether talks of [me]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} " So that [I]_82-strether have to defend [you]_82-strether ? No , never . ' "_{[82-strether]} [I]_0-i see , " [Strether]_82-strether mused . "_{[82-strether]} It 's too deep . " "_{[82-strether]} That 's [his]_82-strether only fault , " [she]_1432-she returned - "_{[82-strether]} that everything , with [him]_82-strether , is too deep . [He]_82-strether has depths of silence - which [he]_82-strether breaks only at the longest intervals by a remark . And when the remark comes it 's always something [he]_82-strether has seen or felt for [himself]_82-strether - never a bit banal THAT would be what [one]_2797-one might have feared and what would kill [me]_0-i But never . " [She]_1432-she smoked again as [she]_1432-she thus , with amused complacency , appreciated [her]_1432-she acquisition . "_[1434-we] And never about [you]_82-strether . [We]_1434-we keep clear of [you]_82-strether . [We]_1434-we 're wonderful . But [I]_0-i 'll tell [you]_82-strether what [he]_82-strether does do , " [she]_1432-she continued : "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether tries to make [me]_0-i presents . " "_{[82-strether]} Presents ? " poor [Strether]_82-strether echoed , conscious with a pang that [HE]_82-strether had n't yet tried that in any quarter . "_{[82-strether]} Why [you]_82-strether see , " [she]_1432-she explained , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether 's as fine as ever in [the victoria]_{1435-the victoria} ; so that when [I]_0-i leave [him]_82-strether , as [I]_0-i often do almost for hours - [he]_82-strether likes it so - at the doors of [shops]_2968-shops , the sight of [him]_82-strether there helps [me]_0-i , when [I]_0-i come out , to know [[my]_0-i carriage]_{1437-my carriage} away off in the rank . But sometimes , for a change , [he]_82-strether goes with [me]_0-i into [the shops]_{212-the shops} , and then [I]_0-i 've all [I]_0-i can do to prevent [his]_82-strether buying [me]_0-i things . " "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether wants to ' treat ' [you]_0-i ? " [Strether]_82-strether almost gasped at all [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had n't thought of . [He]_82-strether had a sense of admiration . "_{[82-strether]} Oh [he]_82-strether 's much more in the real tradition than [I.]_0-i Yes , " [he]_82-strether mused , "_{[82-strether]} it 's the sacred rage . " "_{[82-strether]} The sacred rage , exactly ! " - and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , who had n't before heard this term applied , recognised its bearing with a clap of [her]_{131-miss barrace} gemmed hands . "_{[82-strether]} Now [I]_0-i do know why [he]_82-strether 's not banal . But [I]_0-i do prevent [him]_82-strether all the same - and if [you]_0-i saw what [he]_82-strether sometimes selects - from buying . [I]_0-i save [him]_82-strether hundreds and hundreds . [I]_0-i only take flowers . " "_[0-i] Flowers ? " [Strether]_82-strether echoed again with a rueful reflexion . How many [nosegays]_{3895-nosegays} had [[her]_0-i present converser]_{3896-her present converser} sent ? "_[0-i] Innocent flowers , " [she]_0-i pursued , "_[0-i] as much as [he]_82-strether likes . And [he]_82-strether sends [me]_0-i splendours ; [he]_82-strether knows all the best places - [he]_82-strether has found them for [himself]_82-strether ; [he]_82-strether 's wonderful . " "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether has n't told [them]_1439-them to [me]_0-i , " [[her]_0-i friend]_{547-her friend} smiled , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether has a life of [his]_82-strether own . " But [Strether]_82-strether had swung back to the consciousness that for [himself]_82-strether after all it never would have done . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had n't [Mrs. Waymarsh]_{103-mrs. waymarsh} in the least to consider , whereas [Lambert Strether]_82-strether had constantly , in the inmost honour of [his]_82-strether thoughts , to consider [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [He]_82-strether liked moreover to feel how much [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} was in the real tradition . Yet [he]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether conclusion . "_{[82-strether]} WHAT a rage it is ! " [He]_82-strether had worked it out . "_{[82-strether]} It 's an opposition . " [She]_{259-his friend} followed , but at a distance . "_{[82-strether]} That 's what [I]_0-i feel . Yet to what ? " "_{[82-strether]} Well , [he]_82-strether thinks , [you]_0-i know , that [I'VE]_1440-i've a life of [my]_0-i own . And [I]_0-i have n't ! " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i have n't ? " [She]_{259-his friend} showed doubt , and [her]_{259-his friend} laugh confirmed it . "_[0-i] Oh , oh , oh ! " "_[0-i] No - not for [myself]_0-i . [I]_0-i seem to have a life only for [other people]_{515-other people} . " "_[0-i] Ah for [them]_{515-other people} and WITH [them]_{515-other people} ! Just now for instance with - " "_[0-i] Well , with whom ? " [he]_82-strether asked before [she]_{259-his friend} had had time to say . [His]_82-strether tone had the effect of making [her]_{259-his friend} hesitate and even , as [he]_82-strether guessed , speak with a difference . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Say with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . What do [you]_0-i do for [HER]_{99-miss gostrey} ? " It really made [him]_82-strether wonder . "_[0-i] Nothing at all ! " III [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , having meanwhile come in , was at present close to [them]_3899-them , and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} hereupon , instead of risking a rejoinder , became again with a look that measured [her]_{259-his friend} from top to toe all mere long - handled appreciative tortoise - shell . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} had struck [[our]_3899-them friend]_{235-our friend} , from the first of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} appearing , as dressed for a great occasion , and [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} met still more than on either of the others the conception reawakened in [him]_82-strether at [their]_3899-them garden - party , the idea of [the femme du monde]_{3553-the femme du monde} in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} habit as [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} lived . [Her]_{85-madame de vionnet} bare shoulders and arms were white and beautiful ; the materials of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} dress , a mixture , as [he]_82-strether supposed , of silk and crape , were of a silvery grey so artfully composed as to give an impression of warm splendour ; and round [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} neck [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wore a collar of large old emeralds , the green note of which was more dimly repeated , at other points of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} apparel , in embroidery , in enamel , in satin , in substances and textures vaguely rich . [Her]_{85-madame de vionnet} head , extremely fair and exquisitely festal , was like a happy fancy , a notion of the antique , on an old precious medal , some silver coin of the Renaissance ; while [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} slim lightness and brightness , [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} gaiety , [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} expression , [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} decision , contributed to an effect that might have been felt by [a poet as half mythological and half conventional]_{3902-a poet as half mythological and half conventional} . [He]_82-strether could have compared [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} to [a goddess still partly engaged in a morning cloud]_{3903-a goddess still partly engaged in a morning cloud} , or to [a sea - nymph waist - high in the summer surge]_{3904-a sea - nymph waist - high in the summer surge} . Above all [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} suggested to [him]_82-strether the reflexion that [the femme du monde]_{3553-the femme du monde} - in these finest developments of the type - was , like [Cleopatra]_{167-cleopatra} in the play , indeed various and multifold . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} had aspects , [characters]_{3906-characters} , days , nights - or had them at least , showed [them]_3907-them by a mysterious law of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} own , when in addition to everything [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} happened also to be [a woman of genius]_{3908-a woman of genius} . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} was [an obscure person]_{3909-an obscure person} , [a muffled person one day]_{3910-a muffled person one day} , and [a showy person]_{3911-a showy person} , [an uncovered person]_{3912-an uncovered person} the next . [He]_82-strether thought of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} to - night as showy and uncovered , though [he]_82-strether felt the formula rough , because , thanks to one of the short - cuts of genius [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had taken all [his]_82-strether categories by surprise . Twice during dinner [he]_82-strether had met [Chad]_111-chad 's eyes in a longish look ; but these communications had in truth only stirred up again old ambiguities - so little was it clear from [them]_3913-them whether they were an appeal or an admonition . "_[1442-you] [You]_1442-you see how [I]_0-i 'm fixed , " was what [they]_3913-them appeared to convey ; yet how [he]_82-strether was fixed was exactly what [Strether]_82-strether did n't see . However , perhaps [he]_82-strether should see now . "_[1442-you] Are [you]_1442-you capable of the very great kindness of going to relieve [Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , for a few minutes , of the rather crushing responsibility of [Madame Gloriani]_84-gloriani , while [I]_0-i say a word , if [he]_1443-he 'll allow [me]_0-i , to [Mr. Strether]_82-strether , of whom [I]_0-i 've a question to ask ? [[Our]_1444-our host]_{1445-our host} ought to talk a bit to [those other ladies]_{1446-those other ladies} , and [I]_0-i 'll come back in a minute to [your]_1442-you rescue . " [She]_0-i made this proposal to [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} as if [her]_0-i consciousness of a special duty had just flickered - up , but [that lady]_{3398-that lady} 's recognition of [Strether]_82-strether 's little start at it - as at a betrayal on [the speaker]_{3277-the speaker} 's part of a domesticated state - was as mute as [his]_82-strether own comment ; and after an instant , when [[their]_1444-our fellow guest]_{3862-their fellow guest} had good - naturedly left [them]_1444-our , [he]_82-strether had been given something else to think of . "_[0-i] Why has [Maria]_162-maria so suddenly gone ? Do [you]_82-strether know ? " That was the question [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had brought with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . "_{[82-strether]} [I]_0-i 'm afraid [I]_0-i 've no reason to give [you]_82-strether but the simple reason [I]_0-i 've had from [her]_162-maria in a note - the sudden obligation to join in [the south]_{3060-the south} [a sick friend who has got worse]_{1448-a sick friend who has got worse} . " "_[162-maria] Ah then [she]_162-maria has been writing [you]_82-strether ? " "_[162-maria] Not since [she]_162-maria went - [I]_0-i had only a brief explanatory word before [she]_162-maria started . [I]_0-i went to see [her]_162-maria , " [Strether]_82-strether explained - "_[162-maria] it was the day after [I]_0-i called on [you]_82-strether - but [she]_162-maria was already on [her]_162-maria way , and [[her]_162-maria concierge]_{1449-her concierge} told [me]_0-i that in case of [my]_0-i coming [I]_0-i was to be informed [she]_162-maria had written to [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i found [her]_162-maria note when [I]_0-i got [home]_2874-home . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} listened with interest and with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} eyes on [Strether]_82-strether 's face ; then [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} delicately decorated head had a small melancholy motion . "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria did n't write to [ME]_0-i . [I]_0-i went to see [her]_162-maria , " [she]_0-i added , "_[0-i] almost immediately after [I]_0-i had seen [you]_0-i , and as [I]_0-i assured [her]_162-maria [I]_0-i would do when [I]_0-i met [her]_162-maria at [Gloriani 's]_84-gloriani . [She]_162-maria had n't then told [me]_0-i [she]_162-maria was to be absent , and [I]_0-i felt at [her]_162-maria door as if [I]_0-i understood . [She]_162-maria 's absent - with all respect to [[her]_162-maria sick friend]_{1451-her sick friend} , though [I]_0-i know indeed [she]_162-maria has plenty - so that [I]_0-i may not see [her]_162-maria . [She]_162-maria does n't want to meet [me]_0-i again . Well , " [she]_0-i continued with a beautiful conscious mildness , "_[162-maria] [I]_0-i liked and admired [her]_162-maria beyond every one in the old time , and [she]_162-maria knew it - perhaps that 's precisely what has made [her]_162-maria go - and [I]_0-i dare say [I]_0-i have n't lost [her]_162-maria for ever . " [Strether]_82-strether still said nothing ; [he]_82-strether had a horror , as [he]_82-strether now thought of [himself]_82-strether , of being in question between [women]_350-women - was in fact already quite enough on [his]_82-strether way to that , and there was moreover , as it came to [him]_82-strether , perceptibly , something behind these allusions and professions that , should [he]_82-strether take it in , would square but ill with [his]_82-strether present resolve to simplify . It was as if , for [him]_82-strether , all the same , [her]_162-maria softness and sadness were sincere . [He]_82-strether felt that not less when [she]_162-maria soon went on : "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm extremely glad of [her]_162-maria happiness . " But it also left [him]_82-strether mute - sharp and fine though the imputation it conveyed . What it conveyed was that [HE]_82-strether was [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie 's happiness , and for the least little instant [he]_82-strether had the impulse to challenge the thought . [He]_82-strether could have done so however only by saying "_[0-i] What then do [you]_1452-you suppose to be between [us]_1453-us ? " and [he]_82-strether was wonderfully glad a moment later not to have spoken . [He]_82-strether would rather seem stupid any day than fatuous , and [he]_82-strether drew back as well , with a smothered inward shudder , from the consideration of what [women]_350-women - of highly - developed type in particular - might think of [each other]_{2864-each other} . Whatever [he]_82-strether had come out for [he]_82-strether had n't come to go into that ; so that [he]_82-strether absolutely took up nothing [[his]_82-strether interlocutress]_{3920-his interlocutress} had now let drop . Yet , though [he]_82-strether had kept away from [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} for days , had laid wholly on [herself]_{3920-his interlocutress} the burden of [their]_1453-us meeting again , [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} had n't a gleam of irritation to show [him]_82-strether . "_[1452-you] Well , about [Jeanne]_150-jeanne now ? " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} smiled - it had the gaiety with which [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} had originally come in . [He]_82-strether felt it on the instant to represent [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} motive and real errand . But [he]_82-strether had been schooling [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} of a truth to say much in proportion to [his]_82-strether little . "_[150-jeanne] Do [you]_1454-you make out that [she]_150-jeanne has a sentiment ? [I]_0-i mean for [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} . " Almost resentful , [Strether]_82-strether could at last be prompt . "_{[114-mr. newsome]} How can [I]_0-i make out such things ? " [She]_{3920-his interlocutress} remained perfectly good - natured . "_[0-i] Ah but they 're beautiful little things , and [you]_1454-you make out - do n't pretend - everything in [the world]_{2804-the world} . Have n't [you]_1454-you , " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} asked , "_[1454-you] been talking with [her]_150-jeanne ? " "_[1454-you] Yes , but not about [Chad]_111-chad . At least not much . " "_[1454-you] Oh [you]_1454-you do n't require ' much ' ! " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} reassuringly declared . But [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} immediately changed [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} ground . "_[1454-you] [I]_0-i hope [you]_1454-you remember [your]_1454-you promise of the other day . " "_[1454-you] To ' save ' [you]_1454-you , as [you]_1454-you called it ? " "_[1454-you] [I]_0-i call it so still . [You]_1454-you WILL ? " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} insisted . "_[1454-you] [You]_0-i have n't repented ? " [He]_1454-you wondered . "_[0-i] No - but [I]_0-i 've been thinking what [I]_0-i meant . " [She]_{3920-his interlocutress} kept it up . "_[0-i] And not , a little , what [I]_0-i did ? " "_[0-i] No - that 's not necessary . It will be enough if [I]_0-i know what [I]_0-i meant [myself]_0-i . " "_[0-i] And do n't [you]_1454-you know , " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} asked , "_[1454-you] by this time ? " Again [he]_1454-you had a pause . "_[1454-you] [I]_0-i think [you]_0-i ought to leave it to [me]_0-i . But how long , " [he]_1454-you added , "_[0-i] do [you]_0-i give [me]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] It seems to [me]_0-i much more a question of how long [you]_1454-you give [ME]_0-i . Does n't [[our]_1456-our friend]_{235-our friend} here [himself]_{235-our friend} , at any rate , " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} went on , "_{[235-our friend]} perpetually make [me]_0-i present to [you]_1454-you ? " "_{[235-our friend]} Not , " [Strether]_82-strether replied , "_{[235-our friend]} by ever speaking of [you]_0-i to [me]_0-i . " "_{[235-our friend]} [He]_{235-our friend} never does that ? " "_{[235-our friend]} Never . " [She]_{3920-his interlocutress} considered , and , if the fact was disconcerting to [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} , effectually concealed it . The next minute indeed [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} had recovered . "_{[235-our friend]} No , [he]_{235-our friend} would n't . But do [you]_1454-you NEED that ? " [Her]_{3920-his interlocutress} emphasis was wonderful , and though [his]_82-strether eyes had been wandering [he]_82-strether looked at [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} longer now . "_[1454-you] [I]_0-i see what [you]_1454-you mean . " "_[1454-you] Of course [you]_1454-you see what [I]_0-i mean . " [Her]_{3920-his interlocutress} triumph was gentle , and [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} really had tones to make justice weep . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've before [me]_0-i what [he]_{235-our friend} owes [you]_1454-you . " "_[0-i] Admit then that that 's something , " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} said , yet still with the same discretion in [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} pride . [He]_{235-our friend} took in this note but went straight on . "_[1454-you] [You]_1454-you 've made of [him]_{235-our friend} what [I]_0-i see , but what [I]_0-i do n't see is how in [the world]_{2804-the world} [you]_1454-you 've done it . " "_[1454-you] [Ah]_1459-ah that 's another question ! " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} smiled . "_[1454-you] The point is of what use is [your]_1454-you declining to know [me]_0-i when to know [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} - as [you]_1454-you do [me]_0-i the honour to find [him]_{235-our friend} - IS just to know [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see , " [he]_1454-you mused , still with [his]_1454-you eyes on [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should n't have met [you]_1454-you to - night . " [She]_{3920-his interlocutress} raised and dropped [her]_{3920-his interlocutress} linked hands . "_[0-i] It does n't matter . If [I]_0-i trust [you]_1454-you why ca n't [you]_1454-you a little trust [me]_0-i too ? And why ca n't [you]_1454-you also , " [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} asked in another tone , "_[1454-you] trust [yourself]_1454-you ? " But [she]_{3920-his interlocutress} gave [him]_1454-you no time to reply . "_[1454-you] Oh [I]_0-i shall be so easy for [you]_1454-you ! And [I]_0-i 'm glad at any rate [you]_1454-you 've seen [[my]_0-i child]_{1460-my child} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm glad too , " [he]_1454-you said ; "_[0-i] but [she]_{1460-my child} does [you]_0-i no good . " "_{[1460-my child]} No good ? " - [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had a clear stare . "_{[1460-my child]} Why [she]_{1460-my child} 's [an angel of light]_{1461-an angel of light} . " "_{[1461-an angel of light]} That 's precisely the reason . Leave [her]_{1460-my child} alone . Do n't try to find out . [I]_0-i mean , " [he]_1454-you explained , "_[0-i] about what [you]_0-i spoke to [me]_0-i of - the way [she]_{1460-my child} feels . " [[His]_1454-you companion]_{388-his companion} wondered . "_[0-i] Because one really wo n't ? " "_[0-i] Well , because [I]_0-i ask [you]_0-i , as a favour to [myself]_0-i , not to . [She]_{1460-my child} 's [the most charming creature [I]_0-i 've ever seen]_{1462-the most charming creature i 've ever seen} . Therefore do n't touch [her]_{1460-my child} . Do n't know - do n't want to know . And moreover - yes - [you]_0-i wo n't . " It was an appeal , of a sudden , and [she]_{388-his companion} took it in . "_[0-i] As a favour to [you]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] Well - since [you]_0-i ask [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Anything , everything [you]_0-i ask , " [she]_{388-his companion} smiled . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i sha n't know then - never . Thank [you]_0-i , " [she]_{388-his companion} added with peculiar gentleness as [she]_{388-his companion} turned away . The sound of it lingered with [him]_1454-you , making [him]_1454-you fairly feel as if [he]_1454-you had been tripped up and had a fall . In the very act of arranging with [her]_{388-his companion} for [his]_1454-you independence [he]_1454-you had , under pressure from a particular perception , inconsistently , quite stupidly , committed [himself]_1454-you , and , with [her]_{388-his companion} subtlety sensitive on the spot to an advantage , [she]_{388-his companion} had driven in by a single word a little golden nail , the sharp intention of which [he]_1454-you signally felt . [He]_1454-you had n't detached , [he]_1454-you had more closely connected [himself]_1454-you , and [his]_1454-you eyes , as [he]_1454-you considered with some intensity this circumstance , met another pair which had just come within [their]_3922-their range and which struck [him]_1454-you as reflecting [his]_1454-you sense of what [he]_1454-you had done . [He]_1454-you recognised [them]_3922-their at the same moment as those of [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , who had apparently drawn near on purpose to speak to [him]_1454-you , and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} was n't , in the conditions , [the person to whom [his]_1454-you heart would be most closed]_{3923-the person to whom his heart would be most closed} . [They]_3922-their were seated together a minute later at the angle of [the room]_{413-the room} obliquely opposite the corner in which [Gloriani]_84-gloriani was still engaged with [Jeanne de Vionnet]_150-jeanne , to whom at first and in silence [their]_3922-their attention had been benevolently given . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ca n't see for [my]_0-i life , " [Strether]_82-strether had then observed , "_[0-i] how [a young fellow of any spirit]_{1463-a young fellow of any spirit} - [such a one as [you]_1465-you for instance]_{1464-such a one as you for instance} - can be admitted to the sight of [that young lady]_{1407-that young lady} without being hard hit . Why do n't [you]_1465-you go in , [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ? " [He]_82-strether remembered the tone into which [he]_82-strether had been betrayed on the garden - bench at [the sculptor]_{3486-the sculptor} 's reception , and this might make up for that by being much more the right sort of thing to say to [a young man worthy of any advice at all]_{3926-a young man worthy of any advice at all} . "_[1465-you] There WOULD be some reason . " "_[1465-you] Some reason for what ? " "_[1465-you] Why for hanging on here . " "_[1465-you] To offer [my]_0-i hand and fortune to [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} ? " "_{[154-mademoiselle de vionnet]} Well , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_{[154-mademoiselle de vionnet]} to what lovelier apparition COULD [you]_1465-you offer [them]_1467-them ? [She]_{1407-that young lady} 's the sweetest little thing [I]_0-i 've ever seen . " "_{[1407-that young lady]} [She]_{1407-that young lady} 's certainly immense . [I]_0-i mean [she]_{1407-that young lady} 's the real thing . [I]_0-i believe the pale pink petals are folded up there for some wondrous efflorescence in time ; to open , that is , to some great golden sun . [I'M]_0-i unfortunately but a small farthing candle . What chance in such a field for [a poor little painter - man]_{1468-a poor little painter - man} ? " "_{[1470-nous autres]} Oh [you]_1465-you 're good enough , " [Strether]_82-strether threw out . "_[1465-you] Certainly [I]_0-i 'm good enough . [We]_1469-we 're good enough , [I]_0-i consider , [nous autres]_{1470-nous autres} , for anything . But [she]_{1407-that young lady} 's TOO good . There 's the difference . [They]_1467-them would n't look at [me]_0-i . " [Strether]_82-strether , lounging on [his]_82-strether divan and still charmed by [the young girl]_{3927-the young girl} , whose eyes had consciously strayed to [him]_82-strether , [he]_82-strether fancied , with a vague smile - [Strether]_82-strether , enjoying the whole occasion as with dormant pulses at last awake and in spite of new material thrust upon [him]_82-strether , thought over [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's words . "_[1467-them] Whom do [you]_1465-you mean by ' [they]_1471-they ' ? [She]_{1407-that young lady} and [[her]_{1407-that young lady} mother]_{3347-her mother} ? " "_{[1407-that young lady]} [She]_{1407-that young lady} and [[her]_{1407-that young lady} mother]_{3347-her mother} . And [she]_{1407-that young lady} has [a father]_{1474-a father} too , who , whatever else [he]_{1474-a father} may be , certainly ca n't be indifferent to the possibilities [she]_{1407-that young lady} represents . Besides , there 's [Chad]_111-chad . " [Strether]_82-strether was silent a little . "_[111-chad] Ah but [he]_111-chad does n't care for [her]_{1407-that young lady} - not , [I]_0-i mean , it appears , after all , in the sense [I]_0-i 'm speaking of . [He]_111-chad 's NOT in love with [her]_{1407-that young lady} . " "_[111-chad] No - but [he]_111-chad 's [[her]_{1407-that young lady} best friend]_{1475-her best friend} ; after [[her]_{1407-that young lady} mother]_{3347-her mother} . [He]_111-chad 's very fond of [her]_{1407-that young lady} . [He]_111-chad has [his]_111-chad ideas about what can be done for [her]_{1407-that young lady} . " "_[111-chad] Well , it 's very strange ! " [Strether]_82-strether presently remarked with a sighing sense of fulness . "_[111-chad] Very strange indeed . That 's just the beauty of it . Is n't it very much the kind of beauty [you]_0-i had in mind , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} went on , "_[0-i] when [you]_0-i were so wonderful and so inspiring to [me]_0-i the other day ? Did n't [you]_0-i adjure [me]_0-i , in accents [I]_0-i shall never forget , to see , while [I]_0-i 've a chance , everything [I]_0-i can ? - and REALLY to see , for it must have been that only [you]_0-i meant . Well , [you]_0-i did [me]_0-i no end of good , and [I]_0-i 'm doing [my]_0-i best . [I]_0-i DO make it out a situation . " "_[0-i] So do [I]_0-i ! " [Strether]_82-strether went on after a moment . But [he]_82-strether had the next minute an inconsequent question . "_[0-i] How comes [Chad]_111-chad so mixed up , anyway ? " "_[111-chad] Ah , ah , ah ! " - and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} fell back on [his]_{83-little bilham} cushions . It reminded [[our]_3929-our friend]_{235-our friend} of [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , and [he]_{83-little bilham} felt again the brush of [his]_{83-little bilham} sense of moving in a maze of mystic closed allusions . Yet [he]_{83-little bilham} kept hold of [his]_{83-little bilham} thread . "_[111-chad] Of course [I]_0-i understand really ; only the general transformation makes [me]_0-i occasionally gasp . [Chad]_111-chad with such a voice in the settlement of the future of [a little countess]_{1477-a little countess} - no , " [he]_{83-little bilham} declared , "_[111-chad] it takes more time ! [You]_1478-you say moreover , " [he]_{83-little bilham} resumed , "_[1478-you] that [we]_1479-we 're inevitably , people like [you]_1478-you and [me]_0-i , out of the running . The curious fact remains that [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad is n't . The situation does n't make for it , but in a different one [he]_111-chad could have [her]_{1477-a little countess} if [he]_111-chad would . " "_[111-chad] Yes , but that 's only because [he]_111-chad 's rich and because there 's a possibility of [his]_111-chad being richer . [They]_1480-they wo n't think of anything but a great name or a great fortune . " "_[1480-they] Well , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[1480-they] [he]_111-chad 'll have no great fortune on THESE lines . [He]_111-chad must stir [his]_111-chad stumps . " "_[111-chad] Is that , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} enquired , "_[0-i] what [you]_0-i were saying to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? " "_[0-i] No - [I]_0-i do n't say much to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . Of course , however , " [Strether]_82-strether continued , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad can make sacrifices if [he]_111-chad likes . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had a pause . "_[111-chad] Oh [he]_111-chad 's not keen for sacrifices ; or thinks , that is , possibly , that [he]_111-chad has made enough . " "_[111-chad] Well , it IS virtuous , " [[his]_{83-little bilham} companion]_{388-his companion} observed with some decision . "_[111-chad] That 's exactly , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} dropped after a moment , "_[0-i] what [I]_0-i mean . " It kept [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether silent a little . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've made it out for [myself]_0-i , " [he]_82-strether then went on ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've really , within the last half - hour , got hold of it . [I]_0-i understand it in short at last ; which at first - when [you]_1481-you originally spoke to [me]_0-i - [I]_0-i did n't . Nor when [Chad]_111-chad originally spoke to [me]_0-i either . " "_[111-chad] Oh , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , "_[111-chad] [I]_0-i do n't think that at that time [you]_1481-you believed [me]_0-i . " "_[1481-you] Yes - [I]_0-i did ; and [I]_0-i believed [Chad]_111-chad too . It would have been odious and unmannerly - as well as quite perverse - if [I]_0-i had n't . What interest have [you]_1481-you in deceiving [me]_0-i ? " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} cast about . "_[1481-you] What interest have [I]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] Yes . [Chad]_111-chad MIGHT have . But [you]_1481-you ? " "_[1481-you] Ah , ah , ah ! " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} exclaimed . It might , on repetition , as a mystification , have irritated [[our]_3934-our friend]_{235-our friend} a little , but [he]_{235-our friend} knew , once more , as [we]_3934-our have seen , where [he]_{235-our friend} was , and [his]_{235-our friend} being proof against everything was only another attestation that [he]_{235-our friend} meant to stay there . "_[1481-you] [I]_0-i could n't , without [my]_0-i own impression , realise . [She]_1482-she 's [a tremendously clever brilliant capable woman]_{1483-a tremendously clever brilliant capable woman} , and with an extraordinary charm on top of it all - the charm [we]_1484-us surely all of [us]_1484-us this evening know what to think of . It is n't [every clever brilliant capable woman that has it]_{1485-every clever brilliant capable woman that has it} . In fact it 's rare with [any woman]_{1065-any woman} . So there [you]_1481-you are , " [Strether]_82-strether proceeded as if not for [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's benefit alone . "_[1481-you] [I]_0-i understand what a relation with [such a woman]_{1487-such a woman} - what such a high fine friendship - may be . It ca n't be vulgar or coarse , anyway - and that 's the point . " "_[1481-you] Yes , that 's the point , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} . "_[1481-you] It ca n't be vulgar or coarse . And , bless [us]_1484-us and save [us]_1484-us , it ISn't ! It 's , upon [my]_0-i word , the very finest thing [I]_0-i ever saw in [my]_0-i life , and the most distinguished . " [Strether]_82-strether , from beside [him]_{83-little bilham} and leaning back with [him]_{83-little bilham} as [he]_82-strether leaned , dropped on [him]_{83-little bilham} a momentary look which filled a short interval and of which [he]_82-strether took no notice . [He]_82-strether only gazed before [him]_{83-little bilham} with intent participation . "_[0-i] Of course what it has done for [him]_1488-him , " [Strether]_82-strether at all events presently pursued , "_[0-i] of course what it has done for [him]_1488-him - that is as to HOW it has so wonderfully worked - is n't a thing [I]_0-i pretend to understand . [I]_0-i 've to take it as [I]_0-i find it . There [he]_1488-him is . " "_[1488-him] There [he]_1488-him is ! " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} echoed . "_[1488-him] And it 's really and truly [she]_1489-she . [I]_0-i do n't understand either , even with [my]_0-i longer and closer opportunity . But [I]_0-i 'm like [you]_1490-you , " [he]_{83-little bilham} added ; "_[1490-you] [I]_0-i can admire and rejoice even when [I]_0-i 'm a little in the dark . [You]_1490-you see [I]_0-i 've watched it for some three years , and especially for this last . [He]_1488-him was n't so bad before it as [I]_0-i seem to have made out that [you]_1490-you think - " "_[1490-you] Oh [I]_0-i do n't think anything now ! " [Strether]_82-strether impatiently broke in : "_[1490-you] that is but what [I]_0-i DO think ! [I]_0-i mean that originally , for [her]_1489-she to have cared for [him]_1488-him - " "_[1489-she] There must have been stuff in [him]_1488-him ? Oh yes , there was stuff indeed , and much more of it than ever showed , [I]_0-i dare say , at [home]_2874-home . Still , [you]_1490-you know , " [the young man in all fairness]_{3936-the young man in all fairness} developed , "_[1490-you] there was room for [her]_1489-she , and that 's where [she]_1489-she came in . [She]_1489-she saw [her]_1489-she chance and took it . That 's what strikes [me]_0-i as having been so fine . But of course , " [he]_1488-him wound up , "_[1488-him] [he]_1488-him liked [her]_1489-she first . " "_[1488-him] Naturally , " said [Strether]_82-strether . "_[1488-him] [I]_0-i mean that [they]_1492-they first met somehow and somewhere - [I]_0-i believe in [some American house]_{1493-some american house} - and [she]_1489-she , without in the least then intending it , made [her]_1489-she impression . Then with time and opportunity [he]_1488-him made [his]_1488-him ; and after THAT [she]_1489-she was as bad as [he]_1488-him . " [Strether]_82-strether vaguely took it up . "_[1488-him] As ' bad ' ? " "_[1489-she] [She]_1489-she began , that is , to care - to care very much . Alone , and in [her]_1489-she horrid position , [she]_1489-she found it , when once [she]_1489-she had started , an interest . It was , it is , an interest , and it did - it continues to do - a lot for [herself]_1489-she as well . So [she]_1489-she still cares . [She]_1489-she cares in fact , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} thoughtfully "_[1489-she] more . " [Strether]_82-strether 's theory that it was none of [his]_82-strether business was somehow not damaged by the way [he]_82-strether took this . "_[1489-she] More , [you]_0-i mean , than [he]_1488-him ? " On which [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} looked round at [him]_82-strether , and now for an instant [their]_3938-their eyes met . "_[1488-him] More than [he]_1488-him ? " [he]_82-strether repeated . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , for as long , hung fire . "_[1488-him] Will [you]_0-i never tell [any one]_{2912-any one} ? " [Strether]_82-strether thought . "_[0-i] Whom should [I]_0-i tell ? " "_[0-i] Why [I]_0-i supposed [you]_0-i reported regularly - " "_[0-i] To [people]_2824-people at [home]_2874-home ? " - [Strether]_82-strether took [him]_1488-him up . "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i wo n't tell [them]_2824-people this . " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} at last looked away . "_[0-i] Then [she]_1497-she does now care more than [he]_1488-him . " "_[1497-she] Oh ! " [Strether]_82-strether oddly exclaimed . But [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} immediately met it . "_[1497-she] Have n't [you]_0-i after all had [your]_0-i impression of it ? That 's how [you]_0-i 've got hold of [him]_1488-him . " "_[0-i] Ah but [I]_0-i have n't got hold of [him]_1488-him ! " "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i say ! " But it was all [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} said . "_[0-i] It 's at any rate none of [my]_0-i business . [I]_0-i mean , " [Strether]_82-strether explained , "_[0-i] nothing else than getting hold of [him]_1488-him is . " It appeared , however , to strike [him]_82-strether as [his]_82-strether business to add : "_[1497-she] The fact remains nevertheless that [she]_1497-she has saved [him]_1488-him . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} just waited . "_[1497-she] [I]_0-i thought that was what [you]_0-i were to do . " But [Strether]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether answer ready . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm speaking - in connexion with [her]_1497-she - of [his]_1488-him manners and morals , [his]_1488-him character and life . [I]_0-i 'm speaking of [him]_1488-him as [a person to deal with and talk with and live with]_{1498-a person to deal with and talk with and live with} - speaking of [him]_1488-him as [a social animal]_{1499-a social animal} . " "_[1488-him] And is n't it as a social animal that [you]_0-i also want [him]_1488-him ? " "_[1497-she] Certainly ; so that it 's as if [she]_1497-she had saved [him]_1488-him FOR [us]_1500-us . " "_[1497-she] It strikes [you]_0-i accordingly then , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} threw out , "_[1497-she] as for [you]_0-i all to save [HER]_1497-she ? " "_[1497-she] Oh for [us]_1500-us ' all ' - ! " [Strether]_82-strether could but laugh at that . It brought [him]_82-strether back , however , to the point [he]_82-strether had really wished to make . "_[1497-she] [They]_1501-they 've accepted [their]_1501-they situation - hard as it is . [They]_1501-they 're not free - at least [she]_1497-she 's not ; but [they]_1501-they take what 's left to [them]_1501-they . It 's a friendship , of a beautiful sort ; and that 's what makes [them]_1501-they so strong . [They]_1501-they 're straight , [they]_1501-they feel ; and [they]_1501-they keep [each other]_{2864-each other} up . It 's doubtless [she]_1497-she , however , who , as [you]_1503-you [yourself]_1503-you have hinted , feels it most . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} appeared to wonder what [he]_{83-little bilham} had hinted . "_[1497-she] Feels most that [they]_1501-they 're straight ? " "_[1497-she] Well , feels that [SHE]_1497-she is , and the strength that comes from it . [She]_1497-she keeps [HIM]_1504-he up - [she]_1497-she keeps the whole thing up . When [people]_2824-people are able to it 's fine . [She]_1497-she 's wonderful , wonderful , as [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} says ; and [he]_1504-he is , in [his]_1504-he way , too ; however , as [a mere man]_{1506-a mere man} , [he]_1504-he may sometimes rebel and not feel that [he]_1504-he finds [his]_1504-he account in it . [She]_1497-she has simply given [him]_1504-he an immense moral lift , and what that can explain is prodigious . That 's why [I]_0-i speak of it as a situation . It IS one , if there ever was . " [And Strether]_82-strether , with [his]_82-strether head back and [his]_82-strether eyes on the ceiling , seemed to lose [himself]_82-strether in the vision of it . [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} attended deeply . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i state it much better than [I]_0-i could . " "_[0-i] Oh [you]_0-i see it does n't concern [you]_0-i . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} considered . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i thought [you]_0-i said just now that it does n't concern [you]_0-i either . " "_[0-i] Well , it does n't a bit as [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's affair . But as [we]_1507-we were again saying just now , what did [I]_0-i come out for but to save [him]_1504-he ? " "_[0-i] Yes - to remove [him]_1504-he . " "_[0-i] To save [him]_1504-he by removal ; to win [him]_1504-he over to [HIMSELF]_1504-he thinking it best [he]_1504-he shall take up business - thinking [he]_1504-he must immediately do therefore what 's necessary to that end . " "_[0-i] Well , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} after a moment , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i HAVE won [him]_1504-he over . [He]_1504-he does think it best . [He]_1504-he has within a day or two again said to [me]_0-i as much . " "_[1504-he] And that , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_[0-i] is why [you]_0-i consider that [he]_1504-he cares less than [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Cares less for [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} than [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} for [him]_1504-he ? Yes , that 's one of the reasons . But other things too have given [me]_0-i the impression . [A man]_{572-a man} , do n't [you]_0-i think ? " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} presently pursued , "_{[572-a man]} CAN'T , in such conditions , care so much as [a woman]_{3063-a woman} . It takes different conditions to make [him]_1504-he , and then perhaps [he]_1504-he cares more . [Chad]_111-chad , " [he]_{83-little bilham} wound up , "_[111-chad] has [his]_1504-he possible future before [him]_1504-he . " "_[111-chad] Are [you]_0-i speaking of [his]_1504-he business future ? " "_[0-i] No - on the contrary ; of the other , the future of what [you]_0-i so justly call [their]_1510-they situation . [M. de Vionnet]_{168-m. de vionnet} may live for ever . " "_{[168-m. de vionnet]} So that [they]_1510-they ca n't marry ? " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} waited a moment . "_{[168-m. de vionnet]} Not being able to marry is all [they]_1510-they 've with any confidence to look forward to . [A woman]_{3063-a woman} - [a particular woman]_{1512-a particular woman} - may stand that strain . But can [a man]_{572-a man} ? " [he]_{83-little bilham} propounded . [Strether]_82-strether 's answer was as prompt as if [he]_82-strether had already , for [himself]_82-strether , worked it out . "_{[572-a man]} Not without a very high ideal of conduct . But that 's just what [we]_1514-we 're attributing to [Chad]_111-chad . And how , for that matter , " [he]_82-strether mused , "_[1504-he] does [his]_1504-he going to [America]_17-america diminish the particular strain ? Would n't it seem rather to add to it ? " "_[1504-he] Out of sight out of mind ! " [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} laughed . Then more bravely : "_[1504-he] Would n't distance lessen the torment ? " But before [Strether]_82-strether could reply , "_[1504-he] The thing is , [you]_1515-you see , [Chad]_111-chad ought to marry ! " [he]_82-strether wound up . [Strether]_82-strether , for a little , appeared to think of it . "_[111-chad] If [you]_1515-you talk of torments [you]_1515-you do n't diminish [mine]_1516-mine ! " [he]_82-strether then broke out . The next moment [he]_82-strether was on [his]_82-strether feet with a question . "_[1515-you] [He]_1504-he ought to marry whom ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} rose more slowly . "_[1504-he] Well , some one [he]_1504-he CAN - [some thoroughly nice girl]_{1517-some thoroughly nice girl} . " [Strether]_82-strether 's eyes , as [they]_3945-they stood together , turned again to [Jeanne]_150-jeanne . "_{[1517-some thoroughly nice girl]} Do [you]_1515-you mean [HER]_{1517-some thoroughly nice girl} ? " [[His]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} made a sudden strange face . "_{[1517-some thoroughly nice girl]} After being in love with [[her]_{1517-some thoroughly nice girl} mother]_{3347-her mother} ? No . " "_{[1517-some thoroughly nice girl]} But is n't it exactly [your]_1515-you idea that [he]_1504-he ISn't in love with [[her]_{1517-some thoroughly nice girl} mother]_{3347-her mother} ? " [[His]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} once more had a pause . "_[1515-you] Well , [he]_1504-he is n't at any rate in love with [Jeanne]_150-jeanne . " "_[150-jeanne] [I]_0-i dare say not . " "_[150-jeanne] How CAN [he]_1504-he be with [any other woman]_{1520-any other woman} ? " "_[150-jeanne] Oh that [I]_0-i admit . But being in love is n't , [you]_1515-you know , here " - [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} spoke in friendly reminder - "_[1515-you] thought necessary , in strictness , for marriage . " "_[1515-you] And what torment - to call a torment - can there ever possibly be with [a woman like that]_{1521-a woman like that} ? " As if from the interest of [his]_82-strether own question [Strether]_82-strether had gone on without hearing . "_[150-jeanne] Is it for [her]_150-jeanne to have turned [a man]_{572-a man} out so wonderfully , too , only for [somebody else]_{781-somebody else} ? " [He]_82-strether appeared to make a point of this , and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} looked at [him]_82-strether now . "_[150-jeanne] When it 's for [each other]_{2864-each other} that [people]_2824-people give things up [they]_2824-people do n't miss [them]_2824-people . " Then [he]_82-strether threw off as with an extravagance of which [he]_82-strether was conscious : "_{[2824-people]} Let [them]_2824-people face the future together ! " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} looked at [him]_82-strether indeed . "_[1515-you] [You]_1515-you mean that after all [he]_{572-a man} should n't go back ? " "_[1515-you] [I]_0-i mean that if [he]_{572-a man} gives [her]_150-jeanne up - ! " "_{[572-a man]} Yes ? " "_{[572-a man]} Well , [he]_{572-a man} ought to be ashamed of [himself]_{572-a man} . " But [Strether]_82-strether spoke with a sound that might have passed for a laugh . Volume II Book Seventh I It was n't the first time [Strether]_82-strether had sat alone in [the great dim church]_{3948-the great dim church} - still less was it the first of [his]_82-strether giving [himself]_82-strether up , so far as conditions permitted , to its beneficent action on [his]_82-strether nerves . [He]_82-strether had been to [Notre Dame]_{44-notre dame} with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , [he]_82-strether had been there with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , [he]_82-strether had been there with [Chad Newsome]_111-chad , and had found [the place]_{2826-the place} , even in company , such a refuge from the obsession of [his]_82-strether problem that , with renewed pressure from that source , [he]_82-strether had not unnaturally recurred to a remedy meeting the case , for the moment , so indirectly , no doubt , but so relievingly . [He]_82-strether was conscious enough that it was only for the moment , but good moments - if [he]_82-strether could call [them]_3950-them good - still had [their]_3950-them value for [a man who by this time struck [himself]_82-strether as living almost disgracefully from hand to mouth]_{3951-a man who by this time struck himself as living almost disgracefully from hand to mouth} . Having so well learnt the way , [he]_82-strether had lately made the pilgrimage more than once by [himself]_82-strether - had quite stolen off , taking an unnoticed chance and making no point of speaking of the adventure when restored to [[his]_82-strether friends]_{3952-his friends} . [[His]_82-strether great friend]_{3953-his great friend} , for that matter , was still absent , as well as remarkably silent ; even at the end of three weeks [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had n't come back . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} wrote to [him]_82-strether from [Mentone]_45-mentone , admitting that [he]_82-strether must judge [her]_{99-miss gostrey} grossly inconsequent - perhaps in fact for the time odiously faithless ; but asking for patience , for a deferred sentence , throwing [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} in short on [his]_82-strether generosity . For [her]_{99-miss gostrey} too , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} could assure [him]_82-strether , life was complicated - more complicated than [he]_82-strether could have guessed ; [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had moreover made certain of [him]_82-strether - certain of not wholly missing [him]_82-strether on [her]_{99-miss gostrey} return - before [her]_{99-miss gostrey} disappearance . If furthermore [she]_{99-miss gostrey} did n't burden [him]_82-strether with letters it was frankly because of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} sense of the other great commerce [he]_82-strether had to carry on . [He]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , at the end of a fortnight , had written twice , to show how [his]_82-strether generosity could be trusted ; but [he]_82-strether reminded [himself]_82-strether in each case of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's epistolary manner at the times when [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} kept off delicate ground . [He]_82-strether sank [his]_82-strether problem , [he]_82-strether talked of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , of little [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} and [the set over [the river]_{720-the river}]_{3954-the set over the river} , with whom [he]_82-strether had again had tea , and [he]_82-strether was easy , for convenience , about [Chad]_111-chad and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and [Jeanne]_150-jeanne . [He]_82-strether admitted that [he]_82-strether continued to see [them]_3956-them , [he]_82-strether was decidedly so confirmed [a haunter of [[Chad]_111-chad 's premises]_{3958-chad 's premises}]_{3957-a haunter of chad 's premises} and [that young man]_{3959-that young man} 's practical intimacy with [them]_3956-them was so undeniably great ; but [he]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether reason for not attempting to render for [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's benefit the impression of these last days . That would be to tell [her]_{99-miss gostrey} too much about [himself]_82-strether - it being at present just from [himself]_82-strether [he]_82-strether was trying to escape . This small struggle sprang not a little , in its way , from the same impulse that had now carried [him]_82-strether across to [Notre Dame]_{44-notre dame} ; the impulse to let things be , to give [them]_3956-them time to justify [themselves]_3956-them or at least to pass . [He]_82-strether was aware of having no errand in such a place but the desire not to be , for the hour , in [certain other places]_{3960-certain other places} ; a sense of safety , of simplification , which each time [he]_82-strether yielded to it [he]_82-strether amused [himself]_82-strether by thinking of as a private concession to cowardice . [The great church]_{3961-the great church} had [no altar for [his]_82-strether worship]_{3962-no altar for his worship} , no direct voice for [his]_82-strether soul ; but it was none the less soothing even to sanctity ; for [he]_82-strether could feel while there what [he]_82-strether could n't elsewhere , that [he]_82-strether was [a plain tired man]_{3963-a plain tired man} taking the holiday [he]_82-strether had earned . [He]_82-strether was tired , but [he]_82-strether was n't plain - that was the pity and the trouble of it ; [he]_82-strether was able , however , to drop [his]_82-strether problem at the door very much as if it had been the copper piece that [he]_82-strether deposited , on the threshold , in [the receptacle of [the inveterate blind beggar]_{3965-the inveterate blind beggar}]_{3964-the receptacle of the inveterate blind beggar} . [He]_82-strether trod [the long dim nave]_{3966-the long dim nave} , sat in the splendid choir , paused before [the cluttered chapels of [the east end]_{3968-the east end}]_{3967-the cluttered chapels of the east end} , and the mighty monument laid upon [him]_82-strether [its]_{3967-the cluttered chapels of the east end} spell . [He]_82-strether might have been [a student under the charm of [a museum]_{3970-a museum}]_{3969-a student under the charm of a museum} - which was exactly what , in [a foreign town]_{3971-a foreign town} , in the afternoon of life , [he]_82-strether would have liked to be free to be . This form of sacrifice did at any rate for the occasion as well as another ; it made [him]_82-strether quite sufficiently understand how , within [the precinct]_{3972-the precinct} , for the real refugee , the things of [the world]_{2804-the world} could fall into abeyance . That was the cowardice , probably - to dodge them , to beg the question , not to deal with it in the hard outer light ; but [his]_82-strether own oblivions were too brief , too vain , to hurt any one but [himself]_82-strether , and [he]_82-strether had a vague and fanciful kindness for [certain persons whom [he]_82-strether met]_{3974-certain persons whom he met} , [figures of mystery and anxiety]_{3975-figures of mystery and anxiety} , and whom , with observation for [his]_82-strether pastime , [he]_82-strether ranked as [those who were fleeing from justice]_{3976-those who were fleeing from justice} . Justice was outside , in the hard light , and injustice too ; but one was as absent as the other from the air of [the long aisles]_{3977-the long aisles} and the brightness of the many altars . Thus it was at all events that , one morning some dozen days after the dinner in [the Boulevard]_{19-the boulevard} [Malesherbes]_{32-malesherbes} at which [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had been present with [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} , [he]_82-strether was called upon to play [his]_82-strether part in an encounter that deeply stirred [his]_82-strether imagination . [He]_82-strether had the habit , in these contemplations , of watching [a fellow visitant]_{3979-a fellow visitant} , here and there , from a respectable distance , remarking some note of behaviour , of penitence , of prostration , of the absolved , relieved state ; this was the manner in which [his]_82-strether vague tenderness took its course , the degree of demonstration to which it naturally had to confine itself . It had n't indeed so felt its responsibility as when on this occasion [he]_82-strether suddenly measured the suggestive effect of [a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} , [he]_82-strether had two or three times noticed as [he]_82-strether made , and made once more , [his]_82-strether slow circuit . [She]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} was n't prostrate - not in any degree bowed , but [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} was strangely fixed , and [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} prolonged immobility showed [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} , while [he]_82-strether passed and paused , as wholly given up to the need , whatever it was , that had brought [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} [there]_311-there . [She]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} only sat and gazed before [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} , as [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether often sat ; but [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} had placed [herself]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} , as [he]_82-strether never did , within the focus of the shrine , and [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} had lost [herself]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} , [he]_82-strether could easily see , as [he]_82-strether would only have liked to do . [She]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} was not [a wandering alien]_{3982-a wandering alien} , keeping back more than [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} gave , but one of the familiar , [the intimate , the fortunate , for whom these dealings had a method and a meaning]_{3983-the intimate , the fortunate , for whom these dealings had a method and a meaning} . [She]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} reminded [[our]_3984-our friend]_{235-our friend} - since it was the way of nine tenths of [his]_82-strether current impressions to act as recalls of things imagined - of some fine firm concentrated heroine of an old story , something [he]_82-strether had heard , read , something that , had [he]_82-strether had a hand for drama , [he]_82-strether might [himself]_82-strether have written , renewing [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} courage , renewing [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} clearness , in splendidly - protected meditation . [Her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} back , as [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} sat , was turned to [him]_82-strether , but [his]_82-strether impression absolutely required that [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} should be young and interesting , and [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} carried [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} head moreover , even in the sacred shade , with a discernible faith in [herself]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} , a kind of implied conviction of consistency , security , impunity . But what had [such a woman]_{1487-such a woman} come for if [she]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} had n't come to pray ? [Strether]_82-strether 's reading of such matters was , it must be owned , confused ; but [he]_82-strether wondered if [her]_{3980-a lady whose supreme stillness , in the shade of one of the chapels} attitude were some congruous fruit of absolution , of "_{[572-a man]} indulgence . " [He]_82-strether knew but dimly what indulgence , in such a place , might mean ; yet [he]_82-strether had , as with a soft sweep , a vision of how it might indeed add to the zest of active rites . All this was a good deal to have been denoted by [a mere lurking figure who was nothing to [him]_82-strether]_{3987-a mere lurking figure who was nothing to him} ; but , the last thing before leaving [the church]_{3988-the church} , [he]_82-strether had the surprise of a still deeper quickening . [He]_82-strether had dropped upon a seat halfway down [the nave]_{3989-the nave} and , again in the museum mood , was trying with head thrown back and eyes aloft , to reconstitute a past , to reduce it in fact to the convenient terms of [Victor Hugo]_{169-victor hugo} , whom , a few days before , giving the rein for once in a way to the joy of life , [he]_82-strether had purchased in seventy bound volumes , a miracle of cheapness , parted with , [he]_82-strether was assured by [the shopman]_{3990-the shopman} , at the price of the red - and - gold alone . [He]_82-strether looked , doubtless , while [he]_82-strether played [his]_82-strether eternal nippers over Gothic glooms , sufficiently rapt in reverence ; but what [his]_82-strether thought had finally bumped against was the question of where , among packed accumulations , so multiform a wedge would be able to enter . Were seventy volumes in red - and - gold to be perhaps what [he]_82-strether should most substantially have to show at [Woollett]_87-woollett as the fruit of [his]_82-strether mission ? It was a possibility that held [him]_82-strether a minute - held [him]_82-strether till [he]_82-strether happened to feel that [some one]_{3991-some one} , unnoticed , had approached [him]_82-strether and paused . Turning , [he]_82-strether saw that [a lady]_{579-a lady} stood there as for a greeting , and [he]_82-strether sprang up as [he]_82-strether next took [her]_{579-a lady} , securely , for [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , who appeared to have recognised [him]_82-strether as [she]_{579-a lady} passed near [him]_82-strether on [her]_{579-a lady} way to the door . [She]_{579-a lady} checked , quickly and gaily , a certain confusion in [him]_82-strether , came to meet it , turned it back , by an art of [her]_{579-a lady} own ; the confusion having threatened [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether knew [her]_{579-a lady} for [the person [he]_82-strether had lately been observing]_{3993-the person he had lately been observing} . [She]_{579-a lady} was [the lurking figure of [the dim chapel]_{3995-the dim chapel}]_{3994-the lurking figure of the dim chapel} ; [she]_{579-a lady} had occupied [him]_82-strether more than [she]_{579-a lady} guessed ; but it came to [him]_82-strether in time , luckily , that [he]_82-strether need n't tell [her]_{579-a lady} and that no harm , after all , had been done . [She]_0-i [herself]_0-i , for that matter , straightway showing [she]_0-i felt [their]_3996-their encounter as the happiest of accidents , had for [him]_82-strether a "_[1526-you] [You]_1526-you come [here]_3103-here too ? " that despoiled surprise of every awkwardness . "_[1526-you] [I]_0-i come often , " [she]_0-i said . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i love [this place]_{1292-this place} , but [I]_0-i 'm terrible , in general , for churches . [The old women who live in [them]_{1529-the old women who live in them}]_{1529-the old women who live in them} all know [me]_0-i ; in fact [I]_0-i 'm already [myself]_0-i [one of [the old women]_{1531-the old women}]_{1530-one of the old women} . It 's like that , at all events , that [I]_0-i foresee [I]_0-i shall end . " Looking about for a chair , so that [he]_82-strether instantly pulled one nearer , [she]_0-i sat down with [him]_82-strether again to the sound of an "_[0-i] Oh , [I]_0-i like so much [your]_1526-you also being fond - ! " [He]_82-strether confessed the extent of [his]_82-strether feeling , though [she]_0-i left the object vague ; and [he]_82-strether was struck with the tact , the taste of [her]_0-i vagueness , which simply took for granted in [him]_82-strether a sense of beautiful things . [He]_82-strether was conscious of how much it was affected , this sense , by something subdued and discreet in the way [she]_0-i had arranged [herself]_0-i for [her]_0-i special object and [her]_0-i morning walk - [he]_82-strether believed [her]_0-i to have come on foot ; the way [her]_0-i slightly thicker veil was drawn - a mere touch , but everything ; the composed gravity of [her]_0-i dress , in which , here and there , a dull wine - colour seemed to gleam faintly through black ; the charming discretion of [her]_0-i small compact head ; the quiet note , as [she]_0-i sat , of [her]_0-i folded , grey - gloved hands . It was , to [Strether]_82-strether 's mind , as if [she]_0-i sat on [her]_0-i own ground , the light honours of which , at an open gate , [she]_0-i thus easily did [him]_82-strether , while all the vastness and mystery of [the domain]_{3997-the domain} stretched off behind . When [people]_2824-people were so completely in possession [they]_2824-people could be extraordinarily civil ; and [[our]_3999-our friend]_{235-our friend} had indeed at this hour a kind of revelation of [her]_0-i heritage . [She]_0-i was romantic for [him]_82-strether far beyond what [she]_0-i could have guessed , and again [he]_82-strether found [his]_82-strether small comfort in the conviction that , subtle though [she]_0-i was , [his]_82-strether impression must remain a secret from [her]_0-i . The thing that , once more , made [him]_82-strether uneasy for secrets in general was this particular patience [she]_0-i could have with [his]_82-strether own want of colour ; albeit that on the other hand [his]_82-strether uneasiness pretty well dropped after [he]_82-strether had been for ten minutes as colourless as possible and at the same time as responsive . The moments had already , for that matter , drawn their deepest tinge from the special interest excited in [him]_82-strether by [his]_82-strether vision of [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's identity with [the person whose attitude before the glimmering altar]_{4002-the person whose attitude before the glimmering altar} had so impressed [him]_82-strether . This attitude fitted admirably into the stand [he]_82-strether had privately taken about [her]_0-i connexion with [Chad]_111-chad on the last occasion of [his]_82-strether seeing [them]_4003-them together . It helped [him]_82-strether to stick fast at the point [he]_82-strether had then reached ; it was there [he]_82-strether had resolved that [he]_82-strether WOULD stick , and at no moment since had it seemed as easy to do so . Unassailably innocent was a relation that could make one of [the parties to it]_{4004-the parties to it} so carry [herself]_0-i . If it was n't innocent why did [she]_0-i haunt [the churches]_{4005-the churches} ? - into which , given [the woman [he]_82-strether could believe [he]_82-strether made out]_{4006-the woman he could believe he made out} , [she]_0-i would never have come to flaunt an insolence of guilt . [She]_0-i haunted [them]_4003-them for continued help , for strength , for peace - sublime support which , if [one]_2797-one were able to look at it so , [she]_0-i found from day to day . [They]_1532-they talked , in low easy tones and with lifted lingering looks , about the great monument and its history and [its]_1533-its beauty - all of which , [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} professed , came to [her]_0-i most in the other , the outer view . "_[1532-they] [We]_1532-they 'll presently , after [we]_1532-they go , " [she]_0-i said , "_[1534-you] walk round [it]_1533-its again if [you]_1534-you like . [I]_0-i 'm not in a particular hurry , and it will be pleasant to look at it well with [you]_1534-you . " [He]_82-strether had spoken of [the great romancer]_{4008-the great romancer} and the great romance , and of what , to [his]_82-strether imagination , [they]_1532-they had done for the whole , mentioning to [her]_0-i moreover the exorbitance of [his]_82-strether purchase , the seventy blazing volumes that were so out of proportion . "_[0-i] Out of proportion to what ? " "_[0-i] Well , to any other plunge . " Yet [he]_82-strether felt even as [he]_82-strether spoke how at that instant [he]_82-strether was plunging . [He]_82-strether had made up [his]_82-strether mind and was impatient to get into the air ; for [his]_82-strether purpose was a purpose to be uttered outside , and [he]_82-strether had a fear that it might with delay still slip away from [him]_82-strether . [She]_0-i however took [her]_0-i time ; [she]_0-i drew out [their]_1532-they quiet gossip as if [she]_0-i had wished to profit by [their]_1532-they meeting , and this confirmed precisely an interpretation of [her]_0-i manner , of [her]_0-i mystery . While [she]_0-i rose , as [he]_82-strether would have called it , to the question of [Victor Hugo]_{169-victor hugo} , [her]_0-i voice itself , the light low quaver of [her]_0-i deference to the solemnity about [them]_1532-they , seemed to make [her]_0-i words mean something that they did n't mean openly . Help , strength , peace , a sublime support - [she]_0-i had n't found so much of these things as that the amount would n't be sensibly greater for any scrap [his]_82-strether appearance of faith in [her]_0-i might enable [her]_0-i to feel in [her]_0-i hand . Every little , in a long strain , helped , and if [he]_82-strether happened to affect [her]_0-i as a firm object [she]_0-i could hold on by , [he]_82-strether would n't jerk [himself]_82-strether out of [her]_0-i reach . [People in difficulties]_{4009-people in difficulties} held on by what was nearest , and [he]_82-strether was perhaps after all not further off than sources of comfort more abstract . It was as to this [he]_82-strether had made up [his]_82-strether mind ; [he]_82-strether had made it up , that is , to give [her]_0-i a sign . The sign would be that - though it was [her]_0-i own affair - [he]_82-strether understood ; the sign would be that - though it was [her]_0-i own affair - [she]_0-i was free to clutch . Since [she]_0-i took [him]_82-strether for a firm object - much as [he]_82-strether might to [his]_82-strether own sense appear at times to rock - [he]_82-strether would do [his]_82-strether best to BE one . The end of it was that half an hour later [they]_4010-they were seated together for an early luncheon at a wonderful , [a delightful house of entertainment on [the left bank]_{4012-the left bank}]_{4011-a delightful house of entertainment on the left bank} - a place of pilgrimage for the knowing , [they]_4010-they were both aware , [the knowing who came , for [its]_{4013-the knowing who came , for its great renown , the homage of restless days , from the other end of the town} great renown , the homage of restless days , from [the other end of [the town]_{312-the town}]_{4014-the other end of the town}]_{4013-the knowing who came , for its great renown , the homage of restless days , from the other end of the town} . [Strether]_82-strether had already been [there]_311-there three times - first with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , then with [Chad]_111-chad , then with [Chad]_111-chad again and with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , [all of whom [he]_82-strether had [himself]_82-strether sagaciously entertained]_{4017-all of whom he had himself sagaciously entertained} ; and [his]_82-strether pleasure was deep now on learning that [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had n't yet been initiated . When [he]_82-strether had said as [they]_4018-they strolled round [the church]_{3988-the church} , by [the river]_{720-the river} , acting at last on what , within , [he]_82-strether had made up [his]_82-strether mind to , "_[0-i] Will [you]_1535-she , if [you]_1535-she have time , come to dejeuner with [me]_0-i somewhere ? For instance , if [you]_1535-she know it , over there on [the other side]_{1536-the other side} , which is so easy a walk " - and then had named [the place]_{2826-the place} ; when [he]_82-strether had done this [she]_1535-she stopped short as for quick intensity , and yet deep difficulty , of response . [She]_1535-she took in the proposal as if it were almost too charming to be true ; and there had perhaps never yet been for [[her]_1535-she companion]_{328-her companion} so unexpected a moment of pride - so fine , so odd a case , at any rate , as [his]_82-strether finding [himself]_82-strether thus able to offer to [a person in such universal possession]_{4023-a person in such universal possession} a new , a rare amusement . [She]_1535-she had heard of the happy spot , but [she]_1535-she asked [him]_82-strether in reply to a further question how in [the world]_{2804-the world} [he]_82-strether could suppose [her]_1535-she to have been [there]_311-there . [He]_82-strether supposed [himself]_82-strether to have supposed that [Chad]_111-chad might have taken [her]_1535-she , and [she]_1535-she guessed this the next moment to [his]_82-strether no small discomfort . "_[1535-she] Ah , let [me]_0-i explain , " [she]_1535-she smiled , "_[1535-she] that [I]_0-i do n't go about with [him]_1537-him in public ; [I]_0-i never have such chances - not having them otherwise - and it 's just the sort of thing that , as a quiet creature living in [[my]_0-i hole]_{1538-my hole} , [I]_0-i adore . " It was more than kind of [him]_82-strether to have thought of it - though , frankly , if [he]_82-strether asked whether [she]_1535-she had time [she]_1535-she had n't a single minute . That however made no difference - [she]_1535-she 'd throw everything over . Every duty at [home]_2874-home , domestic , maternal , social , awaited [her]_1535-she ; but it was a case for a high line . [Her]_1535-she affairs would go to smash , but had n't [one]_2797-one a right to [one]_2797-one 's snatch of scandal when [one]_2797-one was prepared to pay ? It was on this pleasant basis of costly disorder , consequently , that [they]_4030-they eventually seated [themselves]_4030-they , on either side of a small table , at a window adjusted to [the busy quay]_{4031-the busy quay} and the shining barge - burdened [Seine]_47-seine ; where , for an hour , in the matter of letting [himself]_82-strether go , of diving deep , [Strether]_82-strether was to feel [he]_82-strether had touched bottom . [He]_82-strether was to feel many things on this occasion , and one of the first of them was that [he]_82-strether had travelled far since that evening in [London]_4-london , before [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} , when [his]_82-strether dinner with [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie , between the pink - shaded candles , had struck [him]_82-strether as requiring so many explanations . [He]_82-strether had at that time gathered them in , the explanations - [he]_82-strether had stored them up ; but it was at present as if [he]_82-strether had either soared above or sunk below them - [he]_82-strether could n't tell which ; [he]_82-strether could somehow think of none that did n't seem to leave the appearance of collapse and cynicism easier for [him]_82-strether than lucidity . How could [he]_82-strether wish it to be lucid for [others]_2890-others , for [any one]_{2912-any one} , that [he]_82-strether , for the hour , saw reasons enough in the mere way the bright clean ordered water - side life came in at the open window ? - the mere way [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , opposite [him]_82-strether over [their]_4035-their intensely white table - linen , [their]_4035-their omelette aux tomates , [their]_4035-their bottle of straw - coloured Chablis , thanked [him]_82-strether for everything almost with the smile of [a child]_{2812-a child} , while [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} grey eyes moved in and out of [their]_4035-their talk , back to the quarter of the warm spring air , in which early summer had already begun to throb , and then back again to [his]_82-strether face and [their]_4035-their human questions . [Their]_4035-their human questions became many before [they]_4035-their had done - many more , as one after the other came up , than [[our]_4037-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's free fancy had at all foreseen . The sense [he]_82-strether had had before , the sense [he]_82-strether had had repeatedly , the sense that the situation was running away with [him]_82-strether , had never been so sharp as now ; and all the more that [he]_82-strether could perfectly put [his]_82-strether finger on the moment it had taken the bit in its teeth . That accident had definitely occurred , the other evening , after [Chad]_111-chad 's dinner ; it had occurred , as [he]_82-strether fully knew , at the moment when [he]_82-strether interposed between [this lady]_{327-this lady} and [[her]_{327-this lady} child]_{3709-her child} , when [he]_82-strether suffered [himself]_82-strether so to discuss with [her]_{327-this lady} a matter closely concerning [them]_4035-their that [her]_{327-this lady} own subtlety , marked by its significant "_[0-i] Thank [you]_1539-you ! " instantly sealed the occasion in [her]_{327-this lady} favour . Again [he]_82-strether had held off for ten days , but the situation had continued out of hand in spite of that ; the fact that it was running so fast being indeed just WHY [he]_82-strether had held off . What had come over [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether recognised [her]_{327-this lady} in [the nave of [the church]_{3988-the church}]_{4041-the nave of the church} was that holding off could be but a losing game from the instant [she]_{327-this lady} was worked for not only by [her]_{327-this lady} subtlety , but by the hand of fate itself . If all the accidents were to fight on [her]_{327-this lady} side - and by the actual showing they loomed large - [he]_82-strether could only give [himself]_82-strether up . This was what [he]_82-strether had done in privately deciding then and there to propose [she]_{327-this lady} should breakfast with [him]_82-strether . What did the success of [his]_82-strether proposal in fact resemble but the smash in which [a regular runaway]_{4043-a regular runaway} properly ends ? The smash was [their]_4044-their walk , [their]_4044-their dejeuner , [their]_4044-their omelette , [the Chablis]_{4045-the chablis} , the place , the view , [their]_4044-their present talk and [his]_82-strether present pleasure in it - to say nothing , wonder of wonders , of [her]_{327-this lady} own . To this tune and nothing less , accordingly , was [his]_82-strether surrender made good . It sufficiently lighted up at least the folly of holding off . Ancient proverbs sounded , for [his]_82-strether memory , in the tone of [their]_4044-their words and the clink of [their]_4044-their glasses , in the hum of [the town]_{312-the town} and the plash of [the river]_{720-the river} . It WAS clearly better to suffer as a sheep than as a lamb . [One]_2797-one might as well perish by the sword as by famine . "_[1539-you] [Maria]_97-mamie 's still away ? " - that was the first thing [she]_{327-this lady} had asked [him]_82-strether ; and when [he]_82-strether had found the frankness to be cheerful about it in spite of the meaning [he]_82-strether knew [her]_{327-this lady} to attach to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's absence , [she]_{327-this lady} had gone on to enquire if [he]_82-strether did n't tremendously miss [her]_{327-this lady} . There were reasons that made [him]_82-strether by no means sure , yet [he]_82-strether nevertheless answered "_[1539-you] Tremendously " ; which [she]_{327-this lady} took in as if it were all [she]_{327-this lady} had wished to prove . Then , "_[1539-you] [A man in trouble]_{1540-a man in trouble} MUST be possessed somehow of [a woman]_{3063-a woman} , " [she]_{327-this lady} said ; "_{[3063-a woman]} if [she]_{3063-a woman} does n't come in one way [she]_{3063-a woman} comes in another . " "_{[3063-a woman]} Why do [you]_97-mamie call [me]_0-i [a man in trouble]_{1540-a man in trouble} ? " "_[97-mamie] Ah because that 's the way [you]_97-mamie strike [me]_0-i . " [She]_{327-this lady} spoke ever so gently and as if with all fear of wounding [him]_82-strether while [she]_{327-this lady} sat partaking of [his]_82-strether bounty . "_[97-mamie] AREn't [you]_97-mamie in trouble ? " [He]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether colour at the question , and then hated that - hated to pass for anything so idiotic as woundable . Woundable by [[Chad]_111-chad 's lady]_{4049-chad 's lady} , in respect to whom [he]_82-strether had come out with such a fund of indifference - was [he]_82-strether already at that point ? Perversely , none the less , [his]_82-strether pause gave a strange air of truth to [her]_{327-this lady} supposition ; and what was [he]_82-strether in fact but disconcerted at having struck [her]_{327-this lady} just in the way [he]_82-strether had most dreamed of not doing ? "_[97-mamie] [I]_0-i 'm not in trouble yet , " [he]_82-strether at last smiled . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm not in trouble now . " "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i 'm always so . But that [you]_97-mamie sufficiently know . " [She]_{327-this lady} was a woman who , between courses , could be graceful with [her]_{327-this lady} elbows on the table . It was a posture unknown to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , but it was easy for [a femme du monde]_{4050-a femme du monde} . "_[97-mamie] Yes - [I]_0-i am ' now ' ! " "_[0-i] There was a question [you]_97-mamie put to [me]_0-i , " [he]_82-strether presently returned , "_[0-i] the night of [Chad]_111-chad 's dinner . [I]_0-i did n't answer it then , and it has been very handsome of [you]_97-mamie not to have sought an occasion for pressing [me]_0-i about it since . " [She]_97-mamie was instantly all there . "_[97-mamie] Of course [I]_0-i know what [you]_97-mamie allude to . [I]_0-i asked [you]_97-mamie what [you]_97-mamie had meant by saying , the day [you]_97-mamie came to see [me]_0-i , just before [you]_97-mamie left [me]_0-i , that [you]_97-mamie 'd save [me]_0-i . And [you]_97-mamie then said - at [[our]_1543-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's - that [you]_97-mamie 'd have really to wait to see , for [yourself]_97-mamie , what [you]_97-mamie did mean . " "_[97-mamie] Yes , [I]_0-i asked for time , " said [Strether]_82-strether . "_[0-i] And it sounds now , as [you]_97-mamie put it , like a very ridiculous speech . " "_[97-mamie] Oh ! " [she]_97-mamie murmured - [she]_97-mamie was full of attenuation . But [she]_97-mamie had another thought . "_[97-mamie] If it does sound ridiculous why do [you]_0-i deny that [you]_0-i 're in trouble ? " "_[0-i] Ah if [I]_0-i were , " [he]_82-strether replied , "_[0-i] it would n't be the trouble of fearing ridicule . [I]_0-i do n't fear it . " "_[0-i] What then do [you]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] Nothing - now . " And [he]_82-strether leaned back in [his]_82-strether chair . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i like [your]_0-i ' now ' ! " [she]_97-mamie laughed across at [him]_82-strether . "_[0-i] Well , it 's precisely that it fully comes to [me]_0-i at present that [I]_0-i 've kept [you]_0-i long enough . [I]_0-i know by this time , at any rate , what [I]_0-i meant by [my]_0-i speech ; and [I]_0-i really knew it the night of [Chad]_111-chad 's dinner . " "_[0-i] Then why did n't [you]_0-i tell [me]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] Because it was difficult at the moment . [I]_0-i had already at that moment done something for [you]_0-i , in the sense of what [I]_0-i had said the day [I]_0-i went to see [you]_0-i ; but [I]_0-i was n't then sure of the importance [I]_0-i might represent this as having . " [She]_0-i was all eagerness . "_[0-i] And [you]_0-i 're sure now ? " "_[0-i] Yes ; [I]_0-i see that , practically , [I]_0-i 've done for [you]_0-i - had done for [you]_0-i when [you]_0-i put [me]_0-i [your]_0-i question - all that it 's as yet possible to [me]_0-i to do . [I]_0-i feel now , " [he]_4051-he went on , "_[0-i] that it may go further than [I]_0-i thought . What [I]_0-i did after [my]_0-i visit to [you]_0-i , " [he]_4051-he explained , "_[0-i] was to write straight off to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} about [you]_0-i , and [I]_0-i 'm at last , from one day to the other , expecting [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} answer . It 's this answer that will represent , as [I]_0-i believe , the consequences . " [Patient and beautiful]_{4052-patient and beautiful} was [her]_0-i interest . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see - the consequences of [your]_0-i speaking for [me]_0-i . " And [she]_0-i waited as if not to hustle [him]_4053-he . [He]_4053-he acknowledged it by immediately going on . "_[0-i] The question , [you]_0-i understand , was HOW [I]_0-i should save [you]_0-i . Well , [I]_0-i 'm trying it by thus letting [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} know that [I]_0-i consider [you]_0-i worth saving . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see - [I]_0-i see . " [Her]_0-i eagerness broke through . "_[0-i] How can [I]_0-i thank [you]_0-i enough ? " [He]_4053-he could n't tell [her]_0-i that , however , and [she]_0-i quickly pursued . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i do really , for [yourself]_0-i , consider it ? " [His]_4053-he only answer at first was to help [her]_0-i to the dish that had been freshly put before [them]_4054-them . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've written to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} again since then - [I]_0-i 've left [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} in no doubt of what [I]_0-i think . [I]_0-i 've told [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} all about [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Thanks - not so much . ' All about ' [me]_0-i , " [she]_0-i went on - "_[0-i] yes . " "_[0-i] All it seems to [me]_0-i [you]_0-i 've done for [him]_1545-him . " "_[0-i] Ah and [you]_0-i might have added all it seems to [ME]_0-i ! " [She]_0-i laughed again , while [she]_0-i took up [her]_0-i knife and fork , as in the cheer of these assurances . "_[0-i] But [you]_0-i 're not sure how [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 'll take it . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} No , [I]_0-i 'll not pretend [I]_0-i 'm sure . " "_[170-voila] [Voila]_170-voila . " And [she]_0-i waited a moment . "_[170-voila] [I]_0-i wish [you]_0-i 'd tell [me]_0-i about [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_[0-i] Oh , " said [Strether]_82-strether with a slightly strained smile , "_[0-i] all that need concern [you]_0-i about [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} is that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's really [a grand person]_{1546-a grand person} . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} seemed to demur . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Is that all that need concern [me]_0-i about [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? " But [Strether]_82-strether neglected the question . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Has n't [Chad]_111-chad talked to [you]_0-i ? " "_[111-chad] Of [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} ? Yes , a great deal - immensely . But not from [your]_0-i point of view . " "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad ca n't , " [[our]_1548-our friend]_{235-our friend} returned , "_[111-chad] have said any ill of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_[111-chad] Not the least bit . [He]_111-chad has given [me]_0-i , like [you]_0-i , the assurance that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's really grand . But [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} being really grand is somehow just what has n't seemed to simplify [our]_1548-our case . Nothing , " [she]_0-i continued , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} is further from [me]_0-i than to wish to say a word against [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ; but of course [I]_0-i feel how little [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} can like being told of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} owing [me]_0-i anything . [No woman]_{1087-no woman} ever enjoys such an obligation to [another woman]_{1550-another woman} . " This was a proposition [Strether]_82-strether could n't contradict . "_{[1087-no woman]} And yet what other way could [I]_0-i have expressed to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} what [I]_0-i felt ? It 's what there was most to say about [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Do [you]_0-i mean then that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} WILL be good to [me]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] It 's what [I]_0-i 'm waiting to see . But [I]_0-i 've little doubt [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} would , " [he]_82-strether added , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} if [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} could comfortably see [you]_0-i . " It seemed to strike [her]_0-i as a happy , a beneficent thought . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Oh then could n't that be managed ? Would n't [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} come out ? Would n't [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} if [you]_0-i so put it to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? DID [you]_0-i by any possibility ? " [she]_0-i faintly quavered . "_[0-i] Oh no " - [he]_82-strether was prompt . "_[0-i] Not that . It would be , much more , to give an account of [you]_0-i that - since there 's no question of [YOUR]_0-i paying the visit - [I]_0-i should go [home]_2874-home first . " It instantly made [her]_0-i graver . "_[0-i] And are [you]_0-i thinking of that ? " "_[0-i] Oh all the while , naturally . " "_[0-i] Stay with [us]_1552-us - stay with [us]_1552-us ! " [she]_0-i exclaimed on this . "_[0-i] That 's [your]_0-i only way to make sure . " "_[0-i] To make sure of what ? " "_[0-i] Why that [he]_1553-him does n't break up . [You]_0-i did n't come out to do that to [him]_1553-him . " "_[0-i] Does n't it depend , " [Strether]_82-strether returned after a moment , "_[0-i] on what [you]_0-i mean by breaking up ? " "_[0-i] Oh [you]_0-i know well enough what [I]_0-i mean ! " [His]_82-strether silence seemed again for a little to denote an understanding . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i take for granted remarkable things . " "_[0-i] Yes , [I]_0-i do - to the extent that [I]_0-i do n't take for granted vulgar ones . [You]_0-i 're perfectly capable of seeing that what [you]_0-i came out for was n't really at all to do what [you]_0-i 'd now have to do . " "_[0-i] Ah it 's perfectly simple , " [Strether]_82-strether good - humouredly pleaded . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've had but one thing to do - to put [our]_1552-us case before [him]_1553-him . To put it as it could only be put here on the spot - by personal pressure . [[My]_0-i dear lady]_{1554-my dear lady} , " [he]_82-strether lucidly pursued , "_[0-i] [my]_0-i work , [you]_{1554-my dear lady} see , is really done , and [my]_0-i reasons for staying on even another day are none of the best . [Chad]_111-chad 's in possession of [our]_1552-us case and professes to do it full justice . What remains is with [himself]_111-chad . [I]_0-i 've had [my]_0-i rest , [my]_0-i amusement and refreshment ; [I]_0-i 've had , as [we]_1552-us say at [Woollett]_87-woollett , a lovely time . Nothing in it has been more lovely than this happy meeting with [you]_{1554-my dear lady} - in these fantastic conditions to which [you]_{1554-my dear lady} 've so delightfully consented . [I]_0-i 've a sense of success . It 's what [I]_0-i wanted . [My]_0-i getting all this good is what [Chad]_111-chad has waited for , and [I]_0-i gather that if [I]_0-i 'm ready to go [he]_111-chad 's the same . " [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} shook [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} head with a finer deeper wisdom . "_[111-chad] [You]_0-i 're not ready . If [you]_0-i 're ready why did [you]_0-i write to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} in the sense [you]_0-i 've mentioned to [me]_0-i ? " [Strether]_82-strether considered . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i sha n't go before [I]_0-i hear from [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [You]_{88-mrs. newsome} 're too much afraid of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , " [he]_82-strether added . It produced between [them]_4056-them a long look from which neither shrank . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [I]_0-i do n't think [you]_{88-mrs. newsome} believe that - believe [I]_0-i 've not really reason to fear [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_[0-i] [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's capable of great generosity , " [Strether]_82-strether presently stated . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Well then let [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} trust [me]_0-i a little . That 's all [I]_0-i ask . Let [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} recognise in spite of everything what [I]_0-i 've done . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Ah remember , " [[our]_4056-them friend]_{235-our friend} replied , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} ca n't effectually recognise it without seeing it for [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} . Let [Chad]_111-chad go over and show [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} what [you]_0-i 've done , and let [him]_111-chad plead with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} there for it and , as it were , for [YOU]_0-i . " [She]_{235-our friend} measured the depth of this suggestion . "_[111-chad] Do [you]_0-i give [me]_0-i [your]_0-i word of honour that if [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} once has [him]_111-chad [there]_311-there [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} wo n't do [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} best to marry [him]_111-chad ? " It made [[her]_{235-our friend} companion]_{328-her companion} , [this enquiry]_{4059-this enquiry} , look again a while out at the view ; after which [he]_111-chad spoke without sharpness . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} When [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} sees for [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} what [he]_111-chad is - " But [she]_{235-our friend} had already broken in . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} It 's when [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} sees for [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} what [he]_111-chad is that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 'll want to marry [him]_111-chad most . " [Strether]_82-strether 's attitude , that of due deference to what [she]_{235-our friend} said , permitted [him]_82-strether to attend for a minute to [his]_82-strether luncheon . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [I]_0-i doubt if that will come off . It wo n't be easy to make it . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} It will be easy if [he]_111-chad remains [there]_311-there - and [he]_111-chad 'll remain for the money . The money appears to be , as a probability , so hideously much . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Well , " [Strether]_82-strether presently concluded , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} nothing COULD really hurt [you]_0-i but [his]_111-chad marrying . " [She]_{235-our friend} gave a strange light laugh . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Putting aside what may really hurt [HIM]_111-chad . " But [[her]_{235-our friend} friend]_{547-her friend} looked at [her]_{235-our friend} as if [he]_{547-her friend} had thought of that too . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} The question will come up , of course , of the future that [you]_0-i [yourself]_0-i offer [him]_111-chad . " [She]_{235-our friend} was leaning back now , but [she]_{235-our friend} fully faced [him]_{547-her friend} . "_[0-i] Well , let it come up ! " "_[0-i] The point is that it 's for [Chad]_111-chad to make of it what [he]_111-chad can . [His]_111-chad being proof against marriage will show what [he]_111-chad does make . " "_[111-chad] If [he]_111-chad IS proof , yes " - [she]_{235-our friend} accepted the proposition . "_[111-chad] But for [myself]_0-i , " [she]_{235-our friend} added , "_[0-i] the question is what [YOU]_0-i make . " "_[0-i] Ah [I]_0-i make nothing . It 's not [my]_0-i affair . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i beg [your]_0-i pardon . It 's just there that , since [you]_0-i 've taken it up and are committed to it , it most intensely becomes [yours]_0-i . [You]_0-i 're not saving [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i take it , for [your]_0-i interest in [myself]_0-i , but for [your]_0-i interest in [[our]_1557-our friend]_{235-our friend} . [The one]_{631-the one} 's at any rate wholly dependent on the other . [You]_0-i ca n't in honour not see [me]_0-i through , " [she]_0-i wound up , "_[0-i] because [you]_0-i ca n't in honour not see [HIM]_{235-our friend} . " Strange and beautiful to [him]_{235-our friend} was [her]_0-i quiet soft acuteness . The thing that most moved [him]_{235-our friend} was really that [she]_0-i was so deeply serious . [She]_0-i had none of the portentous forms of it , but [he]_{235-our friend} had never come in contact , it struck [him]_{235-our friend} , with a force brought to so fine a head . [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , goodness knew , was serious ; but it was nothing to this . [He]_{235-our friend} took it all in , [he]_{235-our friend} saw it all together . "_[0-i] No , " [he]_{235-our friend} mused , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ca n't in honour not see [him]_{235-our friend} . " [Her]_0-i face affected [him]_{235-our friend} as with an exquisite light . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i WILL then ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will . " At this [she]_0-i pushed back [her]_0-i chair and was the next moment on [her]_0-i feet . "_[0-i] Thank [you]_0-i ! " [she]_0-i said with [her]_0-i hand held out to [him]_{235-our friend} across the table and with no less a meaning in the words than [her]_0-i lips had so particularly given them after [Chad]_111-chad 's dinner . The golden nail [she]_0-i had then driven in pierced a good inch deeper . Yet [he]_{235-our friend} reflected that [he]_{235-our friend} [himself]_{235-our friend} had only meanwhile done what [he]_{235-our friend} had made up [his]_{235-our friend} mind to on the same occasion . So far as the essence of the matter went [he]_{235-our friend} had simply stood fast on the spot on which [he]_{235-our friend} had then planted [his]_{235-our friend} feet . II [He]_{235-our friend} received three days after this a communication from [America]_17-america , in the form of a scrap of blue paper folded and gummed , not reaching [him]_{235-our friend} through [his]_{235-our friend} bankers , but delivered at [[his]_{235-our friend} hotel]_{567-his hotel} by [a small boy in uniform , who , under instructions from [the concierge]_{903-the concierge}]_{4062-a small boy in uniform , who , under instructions from the concierge} , approached [him]_{235-our friend} as [he]_{235-our friend} slowly paced [the little court]_{4064-the little court} . It was the evening hour , but daylight was long now and [Paris]_1-paris more than ever penetrating . The scent of flowers was in [the streets]_{2999-the streets} , [he]_{235-our friend} had the whiff of violets perpetually in [his]_{235-our friend} nose ; and [he]_{235-our friend} had attached [himself]_{235-our friend} to sounds and suggestions , vibrations of the air , human and dramatic , [he]_{235-our friend} imagined , as they were not in other places , that came out for [him]_{235-our friend} more and more as the mild afternoons deepened - a far - off hum , a sharp near click on the asphalt , a voice calling , replying , somewhere and as full of tone as [an actor]_{4066-an actor} 's in a play . [He]_{235-our friend} was to dine at [home]_2874-home , as usual , with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - [they]_4068-they had settled to that for thrift and simplicity ; and [he]_{235-our friend} now hung about before [[his]_{235-our friend} friend]_{259-his friend} came down . [He]_{235-our friend} read [his]_{235-our friend} telegram in [the court]_{3762-the court} , standing still a long time where [he]_{235-our friend} had opened it and giving five minutes afterwards to the renewed study of it . At last , quickly , [he]_{235-our friend} crumpled it up as if to get it out of the way ; in spite of which , however , [he]_{235-our friend} kept it there - still kept it when , at the end of another turn , [he]_{235-our friend} had dropped into a chair placed near a small table . Here , with [his]_{235-our friend} scrap of paper compressed in [his]_{235-our friend} fist and further concealed by [his]_{235-our friend} folding [his]_{235-our friend} arms tight , [he]_{235-our friend} sat for some time in thought , gazed before [him]_{235-our friend} so straight that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh appeared and approached [him]_{235-our friend} without catching [his]_{235-our friend} eye . [The latter]_{504-the latter} in fact , struck with [his]_{235-our friend} appearance , looked at [him]_{235-our friend} hard for a single instant and then , as if determined to that course by some special vividness in it , dropped back into [the salon de lecture]_{4072-the salon de lecture} without addressing [him]_{235-our friend} . But [the pilgrim from [Milrose]_104-milrose]_{4073-the pilgrim from milrose} permitted [himself]_{4073-the pilgrim from milrose} still to observe the scene from behind the clear glass plate of that retreat . [Strether]_82-strether ended , as [he]_82-strether sat , by a fresh scrutiny of [his]_82-strether compressed missive , which [he]_82-strether smoothed out carefully again as [he]_82-strether placed it on [his]_82-strether table . There it remained for some minutes , until , at last looking up , [he]_82-strether saw [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh watching [him]_82-strether from within . It was on this that [their]_4074-their eyes met - met for a moment during which [neither]_4075-neither moved . But [Strether]_82-strether then got up , folding [his]_82-strether telegram more carefully and putting it into [his]_82-strether waistcoat pocket . A few minutes later [the friends]_{457-the friends} were seated together at dinner ; but [Strether]_82-strether had meanwhile said nothing about it , and [they]_4074-their eventually parted , after coffee in [the court]_{3762-the court} , with nothing said on either side . [[Our]_4078-our friend]_{235-our friend} had moreover the consciousness that even less than usual was on this occasion said between [them]_4074-their , so that it was almost as if [each]_4080-each had been waiting for something from the other . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had always more or less the air of sitting at the door of [[his]_96-waymarsh tent]_{4081-his tent} , and silence , after so many weeks , had come to play its part in [their]_4074-their concert . This note indeed , to [Strether]_82-strether 's sense , had lately taken a fuller tone , and it was [his]_82-strether fancy to - night that [they]_4074-their had never quite so drawn it out . Yet it befell , none the less that [he]_82-strether closed the door to confidence when [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} finally asked [him]_82-strether if there were anything particular the matter with [him]_82-strether . "_[0-i] Nothing , " [he]_82-strether replied , "_[0-i] more than usual . " On the morrow , however , at an early hour , [he]_82-strether found occasion to give an answer more in consonance with the facts . What was the matter had continued to be so all the previous evening , the first hours of which , after dinner , in [[his]_82-strether room]_{308-his room} , [he]_82-strether had devoted to the copious composition of a letter . [He]_82-strether had quitted Waymarsh for this purpose , leaving [him]_82-strether to [his]_82-strether own resources with less ceremony than [their]_4074-their wo nt , but finally coming down again with [his]_82-strether letter unconcluded and going forth into [the streets]_{2999-the streets} without enquiry for [[his]_82-strether comrade]_{268-his comrade} . [He]_82-strether had taken a long vague walk , and [one o'clock]_{4086-one o'clock} had struck before [his]_82-strether return and [his]_82-strether re - ascent to [[his]_82-strether room]_{308-his room} by the aid of the glimmering candle - end left for [him]_82-strether on the shelf outside [[the porter]_{4088-the porter} 's lodge]_{4089-the porter 's lodge} . [He]_82-strether had possessed [himself]_82-strether , on closing [his]_82-strether door , of the numerous loose sheets of [his]_82-strether unfinished composition , and then , without reading them over , had torn them into small pieces . [He]_82-strether had thereupon slept - as if it had been in some measure thanks to that sacrifice - the sleep of [the just]_{4090-the just} , and had prolonged [his]_82-strether rest considerably beyond [his]_82-strether custom . Thus it was that when , between nine and ten , the tap of the knob of a walking - stick sounded on [his]_82-strether door , [he]_82-strether had not yet made [himself]_82-strether altogether presentable . [Chad Newsome]_111-chad 's bright deep voice determined quickly enough none the less the admission of [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} . The little blue paper of the evening before , plainly an object the more precious for its escape from premature destruction , now lay on the sill of the open window , smoothed out afresh and kept from blowing away by the superincumbent weight of [his]_111-chad watch . [Chad]_111-chad , looking about with careless and competent criticism , as [he]_111-chad looked wherever [he]_111-chad went immediately espied it and permitted [himself]_111-chad to fix it for a moment rather hard . After which [he]_111-chad turned [his]_111-chad eyes to [[his]_111-chad host]_{929-his host} . "_[0-i] It has come then at last ? " [Strether]_82-strether paused in the act of pinning [his]_82-strether necktie . "_[0-i] Then [you]_1560-you know - ? [You]_1560-you 've had one too ? " "_[1560-you] No , [I]_0-i 've had nothing , and [I]_0-i only know what [I]_0-i see . [I]_0-i see that thing and [I]_0-i guess . Well , " [he]_82-strether added , "_[0-i] it comes as pat as in a play , for [I]_0-i 've precisely turned up this morning - as [I]_0-i would have done yesterday , but it was impossible - to take [you]_1561-you . " "_[0-i] To take [me]_0-i ? " [Strether]_82-strether had turned again to [his]_82-strether glass . "_[0-i] Back , at last , as [I]_0-i promised . [I]_0-i 'm ready - [I]_0-i 've really been ready this month . [I]_0-i 've only been waiting for [you]_1561-you - as was perfectly right . But [you]_1561-you 're better now ; [you]_1561-you 're safe - [I]_0-i see that for [myself]_0-i ; [you]_1561-you 've got all [your]_1561-you good . [You]_1561-you 're looking , this morning , as fit as a flea . " [Strether]_82-strether , at [his]_82-strether glass , finished dressing ; consulting [that witness]_{4093-that witness} moreover on this last opinion . WAS [he]_82-strether looking preternaturally fit ? There was something in it perhaps for [Chad]_111-chad 's wonderful eye , but [he]_82-strether had felt [himself]_82-strether for hours rather in pieces . Such a judgement , however , was after all but a contribution to [his]_82-strether resolve ; it testified unwittingly to [his]_82-strether wisdom . [He]_82-strether was still firmer , apparently - since it shone in [him]_82-strether as a light - than [he]_82-strether had flattered [himself]_82-strether . [His]_82-strether firmness indeed was slightly compromised , as [he]_82-strether faced about to [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} , by the way [this very personage]_{4095-this very personage} looked - though the case would of course have been worse had n't the secret of personal magnificence been at every hour [Chad]_111-chad 's unfailing possession . There [he]_111-chad was in all the pleasant morning freshness of it - strong and sleek and gay , easy and fragrant and fathomless , with happy health in [his]_111-chad colour , and pleasant silver in [his]_111-chad thick young hair , and the right word for everything on the lips that [his]_111-chad clear brownness caused to show as red . [He]_111-chad had never struck [Strether]_82-strether as personally such a success ; it was as if now , for [his]_82-strether definite surrender , [he]_82-strether had gathered [himself]_82-strether vividly together . This , sharply and rather strangely , was the form in which [he]_111-chad was to be presented to [Woollett]_87-woollett . [[Our]_4096-our friend]_{235-our friend} took [him]_111-chad in again - [he]_{235-our friend} was always taking [him]_111-chad in and yet finding that parts of [him]_111-chad still remained out ; though even thus [his]_111-chad image showed through a mist of other things . "_[1561-you] [I]_0-i 've had a cable , " [Strether]_82-strether said , "_[0-i] from [[your]_1562-your mother]_{1043-your mother} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i dare say , [[my]_0-i dear man]_{2940-my dear man} . [I]_0-i hope [she]_{1043-your mother} 's well . " [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . "_[0-i] No - [she]_{1043-your mother} 's not well , [I]_0-i 'm sorry to have to tell [you]_1562-your . " "_[0-i] Ah , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i must have had the instinct of it . All the more reason then that [we]_1565-we should start straight off . " [Strether]_82-strether had now got together hat , gloves and stick , but [Chad]_111-chad had dropped on the sofa as if to show where [he]_111-chad wished to make [his]_111-chad point . [He]_111-chad kept observing [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} 's things ; [he]_111-chad might have been judging how quickly they could be packed . [He]_111-chad might even have wished to hint that [he]_111-chad 'd send [[his]_111-chad own servant]_{4099-his own servant} to assist . "_[1562-your] What do [you]_1562-your mean , " [Strether]_82-strether enquired , "_[1562-your] by ' straight off ' ? " "_[1562-your] Oh by one of next week 's boats . Everything at this season goes out so light that berths will be easy anywhere . " [Strether]_82-strether had in [his]_82-strether hand [his]_82-strether telegram , which [he]_82-strether had kept there after attaching [his]_82-strether watch , and [he]_82-strether now offered it to [Chad]_111-chad , who , however , with an odd movement , declined to take it . "_[1562-your] Thanks , [I]_0-i 'd rather not . [Your]_1562-your correspondence with [Mother]_141-mother 's [your]_1562-your own affair . [I]_0-i 'm only WITH [you]_1562-your both on it , whatever it is . " [Strether]_82-strether , at this , while [their]_1562-your eyes met , slowly folded the missive and put it in [his]_82-strether pocket ; after which , before [he]_82-strether had spoken again , [Chad]_111-chad broke fresh ground . "_[0-i] Has [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} come back ? " But when [Strether]_82-strether presently spoke it was n't in answer . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} It 's not , [I]_0-i gather , that [[your]_1562-your mother]_{1043-your mother} 's physically ill ; [her]_{1043-your mother} health , on the whole , this spring , seems to have been better than usual . But [she]_{1043-your mother} 's worried , [she]_{1043-your mother} 's anxious , and it appears to have risen within the last few days to a climax . [We]_1567-we 've tired out , between [us]_1567-we , [her]_{1043-your mother} patience . " "_{[1043-your mother]} Oh it is n't [YOU]_0-i ! " [Chad]_111-chad generously protested . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i beg [your]_1562-your pardon - it IS [me]_0-i . " [Strether]_82-strether was mild and melancholy , but firm . [He]_82-strether saw it far away and over [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's head . "_[0-i] It 's very particularly [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Well then all the more reason . [Marchons]_171-marchons , [marchons]_{1568-marchons} ! " said [the young man]_{2833-the young man} gaily . [[His]_{2833-the young man} host]_{929-his host} , however , at this , but continued to stand agaze ; and [he]_{2833-the young man} had the next thing repeated [his]_{2833-the young man} question of a moment before . "_{[171-marchons]} Has [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} come back ? " "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Yes , two days ago . " "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Then [you]_1562-your 've seen [her]_{99-miss gostrey} ? " "_[1562-your] No - [I]_0-i 'm to see [her]_{99-miss gostrey} to - day . " But [Strether]_82-strether would n't linger now on [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[0-i] [[Your]_0-i mother]_{1043-your mother} sends [me]_0-i an ultimatum . If [I]_0-i ca n't bring [you]_0-i [I]_0-i 'm to leave [you]_0-i ; [I]_0-i 'm to come at any rate [myself]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Ah but [you]_1562-your CAN bring [me]_0-i now , " [Chad]_111-chad , from [his]_111-chad sofa , reassuringly replied . [Strether]_82-strether had a pause . "_[1562-your] [I]_0-i do n't think [I]_0-i understand [you]_0-i . Why was it that , more than a month ago , [you]_0-i put it to [me]_0-i so urgently to let [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} speak for [you]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] ' Why ' ? " [Chad]_111-chad considered , but [he]_111-chad had it at [his]_111-chad fingers ' ends . "_[0-i] Why but because [I]_0-i knew how well [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} 'd do it ? It was the way to keep [you]_0-i quiet and , to that extent , do [you]_0-i good . Besides , " [he]_111-chad happily and comfortably explained , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wanted [you]_0-i really to know [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} and to get the impression of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} - and [you]_0-i see the good that HAS done [you]_0-i . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Well , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} the way [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} has spoken for [you]_0-i , all the same - so far as [I]_0-i 've given [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} a chance - has only made [me]_0-i feel how much [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wishes to keep [you]_0-i . If [you]_0-i make nothing of that [I]_0-i do n't see why [you]_0-i wanted [me]_0-i to listen to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " "_[0-i] Why [[my]_0-i dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , " [Chad]_111-chad exclaimed , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i make everything of it ! How can [you]_0-i doubt - ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i doubt only because [you]_0-i come to [me]_0-i this morning with [your]_0-i signal to start . " [Chad]_111-chad stared , then gave a laugh . "_[0-i] And is n't [my]_0-i signal to start just what [you]_0-i 've been waiting for ? " [Strether]_82-strether debated ; [he]_82-strether took another turn . "_[0-i] This last month [I]_0-i 've been awaiting , [I]_0-i think , more than anything else , the message [I]_0-i have here . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i mean [you]_0-i 've been afraid of it ? " "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i was doing [my]_0-i business in [my]_0-i own way . And [I]_0-i suppose [your]_0-i present announcement , " [Strether]_82-strether went on , "_[0-i] is n't merely the result of [your]_0-i sense of what [I]_0-i 've expected . Otherwise [you]_0-i would n't have put [me]_0-i in relation - " But [he]_82-strether paused , pulling up . At this [Chad]_111-chad rose . "_[0-i] [Ah]_1571-ah [HER]_1572-her wanting [me]_0-i not to go has nothing to do with it ! It 's only because [she]_1572-her 's afraid - afraid of the way that , over there , [I]_0-i may get caught . But [her]_1572-her fear 's groundless . " [He]_111-chad had met again [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} 's sufficiently searching look . "_[1572-her] Are [you]_0-i tired of [her]_1572-her ? " [Chad]_111-chad gave [him]_111-chad in reply to this , with a movement of the head , the strangest slow smile [he]_111-chad had ever had from [him]_111-chad . "_[0-i] Never . " It had immediately , on [Strether]_82-strether 's imagination , so deep and soft an effect that [[our]_4104-our friend]_{235-our friend} could only for the moment keep it before [him]_111-chad . "_[0-i] Never ? " "_[0-i] Never , " [Chad]_111-chad obligingly and serenely repeated . It made [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} take several more steps . "_[0-i] Then [YOU'RE]_0-i not afraid . " "_[0-i] Afraid to go ? " [Strether]_82-strether pulled up again . "_[0-i] Afraid to stay . " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} looked brightly amazed . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i want [me]_0-i now to ' stay ' ? " "_[0-i] If [I]_0-i do n't immediately sail [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} will immediately come out . That 's what [I]_0-i mean , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] by [[your]_0-i mother]_{1043-your mother} 's ultimatum . " [Chad]_111-chad showed a still livelier , but not an alarmed interest . "_{[1043-your mother]} [She]_{1043-your mother} has turned on [Sarah]_126-sarah and [Jim]_118-jim ? " [Strether]_82-strether joined [him]_111-chad for an instant in the vision . "_{[1043-your mother]} Oh and [you]_0-i may be sure [Mamie]_97-mamie . THAT 'S whom [she]_{1043-your mother} 's turning on . " This also [Chad]_111-chad saw - [he]_111-chad laughed out . "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie - to corrupt [me]_0-i ? " "_[97-mamie] Ah , " said [Strether]_82-strether , ' [she]_{1043-your mother} 's very charming . "_[97-mamie] " So [you]_82-strether 've already more than once told [me]_1574-his . [I]_1574-his should like to see [her]_{1043-your mother} . "_[1574-his] Something happy and easy , something above all unconscious , in the way [he]_1574-his said this , brought [home]_2874-home again to [[his]_1574-his companion]_{388-his companion} the facility of [his]_1574-his attitude and the enviability of [his]_1574-his state . " See [her]_{1043-your mother} then by all means . And consider too , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether went on , " that [you]_82-strether really give [[your]_82-strether sister]_{4108-your sister} a lift in letting [her]_{1043-your mother} come to [you]_82-strether . [You]_82-strether give [her]_{1043-your mother} a couple of months of [Paris]_1-paris , which [she]_{1043-your mother} has n't seen , if [I]_82-strether 'm not mistaken , since just after [she]_{1043-your mother} was married , and which [I]_82-strether 'm sure [she]_{1043-your mother} wants but the pretext to visit . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad listened , but with all [his]_111-chad own knowledge of [the world]_{2804-the world} . " [She]_{1043-your mother} has had it , the pretext , these several years , yet [she]_{1043-your mother} has never taken it . "_{[82-strether]} " Do [you]_111-chad mean [YOU]_111-chad ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether after an instant enquired . " Certainly - [the lone exile]_{4109-the lone exile} . And whom do [you]_111-chad mean ? "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad . " Oh [I]_111-chad mean [ME]_111-chad . [I]_111-chad 'm [her]_{1043-your mother} pretext . That is - for it comes to the same thing - [I]_111-chad 'm [[your]_111-chad mother]_{1043-your mother} 's . "_[111-chad] " Then why , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad asked , " does n't [Mother]_141-mother come [herself]_{1043-your mother} ? "_[111-chad] [[His]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} gave [him]_111-chad a long look . " Should [you]_111-chad like [her]_{1043-your mother} to ? "_[111-chad] And as [he]_111-chad for the moment said nothing : " It 's perfectly open to [you]_111-chad to cable for [her]_{1043-your mother} . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad continued to think . " Will [she]_{1043-your mother} come if [I]_111-chad do ? "_[111-chad] " Quite possibly . But try , and [you]_111-chad 'll see . "_{[82-strether]} " Why do n't [YOU]_111-chad try ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad after a moment asked . " Because [I]_111-chad do n't want to . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad thought . " Do n't desire [her]_{1043-your mother} presence here ? "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether faced the question , and [his]_82-strether answer was the more emphatic . " Do n't put it off , [[my]_82-strether dear boy]_{4111-my dear boy} , on [ME]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} " Well - [I]_111-chad see what [you]_111-chad mean . [I]_111-chad 'm sure [you]_111-chad 'd behave beautifully but [you]_111-chad DON'T want to see [her]_{1043-your mother} . So [I]_111-chad wo n't play [you]_111-chad that trick . ' "_[111-chad] Ah , " [Strether]_82-strether declared , "_[111-chad] [I]_0-i should n't call it a trick . [You]_1579-you 've a perfect right , and it would be perfectly straight of [you]_1579-you . " Then [he]_82-strether added in a different tone : "_[1579-you] [You]_1579-you 'd have moreover , in the person of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , a very interesting relation prepared for [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " [Their]_4112-their eyes , on this proposition , continued to meet , but [Chad]_111-chad 's pleasant and bold , never flinched for a moment . [He]_111-chad got up at last and [he]_111-chad said something with which [Strether]_82-strether was struck . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} would n't understand [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , but that makes no difference . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} would like to see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 'd like to be charming to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} believes [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} could work it . " [Strether]_82-strether thought a moment , affected by this , but finally turning away . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} could n't ! " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [You]_1579-you 're quite sure ? " [Chad]_111-chad asked . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Well , risk it if [you]_1579-you like ! " [Strether]_82-strether , who uttered this with serenity , had urged a plea for [their]_4113-their now getting into the air ; but [the young man]_{2833-the young man} still waited . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Have [you]_1579-you sent [your]_1579-you answer ? " "_[1579-you] No , [I]_0-i 've done nothing yet . " "_[0-i] Were [you]_1579-you waiting to see [me]_0-i ? " "_[1579-you] No , not that . " "_[1579-you] Only waiting " - and [Chad]_111-chad , with this , had a smile for [him]_{2833-the young man} - "_[0-i] to see [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} ? " "_{[99-miss gostrey]} No - not even [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [I]_0-i was n't waiting to see [any one]_{2912-any one} . [I]_0-i had only waited , till now , to make up [my]_0-i mind - in complete solitude ; and , since [I]_0-i of course absolutely owe [you]_1579-you the information , was on the point of going out with it quite made up . Have therefore a little more patience with [me]_0-i . Remember , " [Strether]_82-strether went on , "_[1579-you] that that 's what [you]_1579-you originally asked [ME]_0-i to have . [I]_0-i 've had it , [you]_1579-you see , and [you]_1579-you see what has come of it . Stay on with [me]_0-i . " [Chad]_111-chad looked grave . "_[1579-you] How much longer ? " "_[1579-you] Well , till [I]_0-i make [you]_1579-you a sign . [I]_0-i ca n't [myself]_0-i , [you]_1579-you know , at the best , or at the worst , stay for ever . Let [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} come , " [Strether]_82-strether repeated . "_{[135-the pococks]} Because it gains [you]_1579-you time ? " "_{[135-the pococks]} Yes - it gains [me]_0-i time . " [Chad]_111-chad , as if it still puzzled [him]_111-chad , waited a minute . "_[1579-you] [You]_1579-you do n't want to get back to [Mother]_141-mother ? " "_[1579-you] Not just yet . [I]_0-i 'm not ready . " "_[1579-you] [You]_1579-you feel , " [Chad]_111-chad asked in a tone of [his]_111-chad own , "_[1579-you] the charm of life over here ? " "_[1579-you] Immensely . " [Strether]_82-strether faced it . "_[1579-you] [You]_1579-you 've helped [me]_0-i so to feel it that that surely need n't surprise [you]_1579-you . " "_[1579-you] No , it does n't surprise [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i 'm delighted . But what , [[my]_0-i dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , " [Chad]_111-chad went on with conscious queerness , "_[1579-you] does it all lead to for [you]_{2940-my dear man} ? " The change of position and of relation , for each , was so oddly betrayed in the question that [Chad]_111-chad laughed out as soon as [he]_111-chad had uttered it - which made [Strether]_82-strether also laugh . "_[1579-you] Well , to [my]_0-i having a certitude that has been tested - that has passed through the fire . But oh , " [he]_111-chad could n't help breaking out , "_[1579-you] if within [my]_0-i first month [here]_3103-here [you]_1579-you had been willing to move with [me]_0-i - ! " "_[1579-you] Well ? " said [Chad]_111-chad , while [he]_111-chad broke down as for weight of thought . "_[1579-you] Well , [we]_1583-we should have been over [there]_311-there by now . " "_[1579-you] Ah but [you]_1579-you would n't have had [your]_1579-you fun ! " "_[1579-you] [I]_0-i should have had a month of it ; and [I]_0-i 'm having now , if [you]_1579-you want to know , " [Strether]_82-strether continued , "_[1579-you] enough to last [me]_0-i for the rest of [my]_0-i days . " [Chad]_111-chad looked amused and interested , yet still somewhat in the dark ; partly perhaps because [Strether]_82-strether 's estimate of fun had required of [him]_111-chad from the first a good deal of elucidation . "_[1579-you] It would n't do if [I]_0-i left [you]_1579-you - ? " "_[0-i] Left [me]_0-i ? " - [Strether]_82-strether remained blank . "_[0-i] Only for a month or two - time to go and come . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , " [Chad]_111-chad smiled , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} would look after [you]_1579-you in the interval . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} To go back by [yourself]_1579-you , [I]_0-i remaining [here]_3103-here ? " Again for an instant [their]_1586-their eyes had the question out ; after which [Strether]_82-strether said : "_[0-i] Grotesque ! " "_[0-i] But [I]_0-i want to see [Mother]_141-mother , " [Chad]_111-chad presently returned . "_[0-i] Remember how long it is since [I]_0-i 've seen [Mother]_141-mother . " "_[141-mother] Long indeed ; and that 's exactly why [I]_0-i was originally so keen for moving [you]_1579-you . Had n't [you]_1579-you shown [us]_1586-their enough how beautifully [you]_1579-you could do without it ? " "_[1579-you] Oh but , " said [Chad]_111-chad wonderfully , "_[1579-you] [I]_0-i 'm better now . " There was an easy triumph in it that made [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} laugh out again . "_[0-i] Oh if [you]_1579-you were worse [I]_0-i SHOULD know what to do with [you]_1579-you . In that case [I]_0-i believe [I]_0-i 'd have [you]_1579-you gagged and strapped down , carried on board resisting , kicking . How MUCH , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_[1579-you] do [you]_1579-you want to see [Mother]_141-mother ? " "_[1579-you] How much ? " - [Chad]_111-chad seemed to find it in fact difficult to say . "_[1579-you] How much . " "_[1579-you] Why as much as [you]_1579-you 've made [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i 'd give anything to see [her]_141-mother . And [you]_1579-you 've left [me]_0-i , " [Chad]_111-chad went on , "_[1579-you] in little enough doubt as to how much [SHE]_141-mother wants it . " [Strether]_82-strether thought a minute . "_[1579-you] Well then if those things are really [your]_1579-you motive catch [the French steamer]_{1587-the french steamer} and sail to - morrow . Of course , when it comes to that , [you]_1579-you 're absolutely free to do as [you]_1579-you choose . From the moment [you]_1579-you ca n't hold [yourself]_1579-you [I]_0-i can only accept [your]_1579-you flight . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll fly in a minute then , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_[0-i] if [you]_1579-you 'll stay here . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll stay here till [the next steamer]_{1588-the next steamer} - then [I]_0-i 'll follow [you]_1579-you . " "_[0-i] And do [you]_1579-you call that , " [Chad]_111-chad asked , "_[1579-you] accepting [my]_0-i flight ? " "_[1579-you] Certainly - it 's the only thing to call it . The only way to keep [me]_0-i [here]_3103-here , accordingly , " [Strether]_82-strether explained , "_[1579-you] is by staying [yourself]_1579-you . " [Chad]_111-chad took it in . "_[1579-you] All the more that [I]_0-i 've really dished [you]_1579-you , eh ? " "_[0-i] Dished [me]_0-i ? " [Strether]_82-strether echoed as inexpressively as possible . "_[0-i] Why if [she]_1590-she sends out the Pococks it will be that [she]_1590-she does n't trust [you]_1579-you , and if [she]_1590-she does n't trust [you]_1579-you , that bears upon - well , [you]_1579-you know what . " [Strether]_82-strether decided after a moment that [he]_82-strether did know what , and in consonance with this [he]_82-strether spoke . "_[1579-you] [You]_1579-you see then all the more what [you]_1579-you owe [me]_0-i . " "_[1579-you] Well , if [I]_0-i do see , how can [I]_0-i pay ? " "_[0-i] By not deserting [me]_0-i . By standing by [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Oh [I]_0-i say - ! " But [Chad]_111-chad , as [they]_4116-they went [downstairs]_{418-downstairs} , clapped a firm hand , in the manner of a pledge , upon [his]_111-chad shoulder . [They]_4116-they descended slowly together and had , in [the court of [the hotel]_{258-the hotel}]_{4118-the court of the hotel} , some further talk , of which the upshot was that [they]_4116-they presently separated . [Chad Newsome]_111-chad departed , and [Strether]_82-strether , left alone , looked about , superficially , for [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . But [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had n't yet , it appeared , come down , and [[our]_4116-they friend]_{235-our friend} finally went forth without sight of [him]_96-waymarsh . III At four o'clock that afternoon [he]_82-strether had still not seen [him]_96-waymarsh , but [he]_82-strether was then , as to make up for this , engaged in talk about [him]_96-waymarsh with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [Strether]_82-strether had kept away from [home]_2874-home all day , given [himself]_82-strether up to [the town]_{312-the town} and to [his]_82-strether thoughts , wandered and mused , been at once restless and absorbed - and all with the present climax of a rich little welcome in [the Quartier Marboeuf]_{48-the quartier marboeuf} . "_[0-i] [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh has been , ' unbeknown ' to [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i 'm convinced " - for [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had enquired - "_[0-i] in communication with [Woollett]_87-woollett : the consequence of which was , last night , the loudest possible call for [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Do [you]_0-i mean a letter to bring [you]_0-i [home]_2874-home ? " "_[0-i] No - a cable , which [I]_0-i have at this moment in [my]_0-i pocket : a ' Come back by [the first ship]_{1592-the first ship} . ' " [Strether]_82-strether 's hostess , it might have been made out , just escaped changing colour . [Reflexion]_{172-reflexion} arrived but in time and established a provisional serenity . It was perhaps exactly this that enabled [her]_0-i to say with duplicity : "_[0-i] And [you]_0-i 're going - ? " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i almost deserve it when [you]_0-i abandon [me]_0-i so . " [She]_0-i shook [her]_0-i head as if this were not worth taking up . "_[0-i] [My]_0-i absence has helped [you]_0-i - as [I]_0-i 've only to look at [you]_0-i to see . It was [my]_0-i calculation , and [I]_0-i 'm justified . [You]_0-i 're not where [you]_0-i were . And the thing , " [she]_0-i smiled , "_[0-i] was for [me]_0-i not to be [there]_311-there either . [You]_0-i can go of [yourself]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Oh but [I]_0-i feel to - day , " [he]_4123-he comfortably declared , "_[0-i] that [I]_0-i shall want [you]_0-i yet . " [She]_0-i took [him]_4123-he all in again . "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i promise [you]_0-i not again to leave [you]_0-i , but it will only be to follow [you]_0-i . [You]_0-i 've got [your]_0-i momentum and can toddle alone . " [He]_4123-he intelligently accepted it . "_[0-i] Yes - [I]_0-i suppose [I]_0-i can toddle . It 's the sight of that in fact that has upset [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . [He]_96-waymarsh can bear it - the way [I]_0-i strike [him]_96-waymarsh as going - no longer . That 's only the climax of [his]_96-waymarsh original feeling . [He]_96-waymarsh wants [me]_0-i to quit ; and [he]_96-waymarsh must have written to [Woollett]_87-woollett that [I]_0-i 'm in peril of perdition . " "_{[96-waymarsh]} Ah good ! " [she]_0-i murmured . "_{[96-waymarsh]} But is it only [your]_0-i supposition ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i make it out - it explains . " "_[0-i] Then [he]_96-waymarsh denies ? - or [you]_0-i have n't asked [him]_96-waymarsh ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've not had time , " [Strether]_82-strether said ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i made it out but last night , putting various things together , and [I]_0-i 've not been since then face to face with [him]_96-waymarsh . " [She]_0-i wondered . "_[0-i] Because [you]_0-i 're too disgusted ? [You]_0-i ca n't trust [yourself]_0-i ? " [He]_82-strether settled [his]_82-strether glasses on [his]_82-strether nose . "_[0-i] Do [I]_0-i look in a great rage ? " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i look divine ! " "_[0-i] There 's nothing , " [he]_82-strether went on , "_[0-i] to be angry about . [He]_96-waymarsh has done [me]_0-i on the contrary a service . " [She]_0-i made it out . "_{[96-waymarsh]} By bringing things to a head ? " "_{[96-waymarsh]} How well [you]_0-i understand ! " [he]_82-strether almost groaned . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh wo n't in the least , at any rate , when [I]_0-i have it out with [him]_96-waymarsh , deny or extenuate . [He]_96-waymarsh has acted from the deepest conviction , with the best conscience and after wakeful nights . [He]_96-waymarsh 'll recognise that [he]_96-waymarsh 's fully responsible , and will consider that [he]_96-waymarsh has been highly successful ; so that any discussion [we]_1594-we may have will bring [us]_1594-we quite together again - bridge the dark stream that has kept [us]_1594-we so thoroughly apart . [We]_1594-we shall have at last , in the consequences of [his]_96-waymarsh act , something [we]_1594-we can definitely talk about . " [She]_0-i was silent a little . "_{[96-waymarsh]} How wonderfully [you]_96-waymarsh take it ! But [you]_96-waymarsh 're always wonderful . " [He]_96-waymarsh had a pause that matched [her]_0-i own ; then [he]_96-waymarsh had , with an adequate spirit , a complete admission . "_{[96-waymarsh]} It 's quite true . [I]_0-i 'm extremely wonderful just now . [I]_0-i dare say in fact [I]_0-i 'm quite fantastic , and [I]_0-i should n't be at all surprised if [I]_0-i were mad . " "_[0-i] Then tell [me]_0-i ! " [she]_0-i earnestly pressed . As [he]_96-waymarsh , however , for the time answered nothing , only returning the look with which [she]_0-i watched [him]_96-waymarsh , [she]_0-i presented [herself]_0-i where it was easier to meet [her]_0-i . "_[0-i] What will [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh exactly have done ? " "_{[96-waymarsh]} Simply have written a letter . One will have been quite enough . [He]_96-waymarsh has told [them]_1595-them [I]_0-i want looking after . " "_{[96-waymarsh]} And DO [you]_0-i ? " - [she]_0-i was all interest . "_[0-i] Immensely . And [I]_0-i shall get it . " "_[0-i] By which [you]_0-i mean [you]_0-i do n't budge ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't budge . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 've cabled ? " "_[0-i] No - [I]_0-i 've made [Chad]_111-chad do it . " "_[0-i] That [you]_0-i decline to come ? " "_[0-i] That [HE]_111-chad declines . [We]_1596-we had it out this morning and [I]_0-i brought [him]_111-chad round . [He]_111-chad had come in , before [I]_0-i was down , to tell [me]_0-i [he]_111-chad was ready - ready , [I]_0-i mean , to return . And [he]_111-chad went off , after ten minutes with [me]_0-i , to say [he]_111-chad would n't . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} followed with intensity . "_[111-chad] Then [you]_0-i 've STOPPED [him]_111-chad ? " [Strether]_82-strether settled [himself]_82-strether afresh in [his]_82-strether chair . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've stopped [him]_111-chad . That is for the time . That " - [he]_82-strether gave it to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} more vividly - "_[0-i] is where [I]_0-i am . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see , [I]_0-i see . But where 's [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} ? [He]_111-chad was ready , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} asked , "_[0-i] to go ? " "_[111-chad] All ready . " "_[111-chad] And sincerely - believing [YOU'D]_0-i be ? " "_[0-i] Perfectly , [I]_0-i think ; so that [he]_111-chad was amazed to find the hand [I]_0-i had laid on [him]_111-chad to pull [him]_111-chad over suddenly converted into an engine for keeping [him]_111-chad still . " It was an account of the matter [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} could weigh . "_[0-i] Does [he]_111-chad think the conversion sudden ? " "_[111-chad] Well , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[111-chad] [I]_0-i 'm not altogether sure what [he]_111-chad thinks . [I]_0-i 'm not sure of anything that concerns [him]_111-chad , except that the more [I]_0-i 've seen of [him]_111-chad the less [I]_0-i 've found [him]_111-chad what [I]_0-i originally expected . [He]_111-chad 's obscure , and that 's why [I]_0-i 'm waiting . " [She]_0-i wondered . "_[0-i] But for what in particular ? " "_[111-chad] For the answer to [his]_111-chad cable . " "_[111-chad] And what was [his]_111-chad cable ? " "_[111-chad] [I]_0-i do n't know , " [Strether]_82-strether replied ; "_[111-chad] it was to be , when [he]_111-chad left [me]_0-i , according to [his]_111-chad own taste . [I]_0-i simply said to [him]_111-chad : ' [I]_0-i want to stay , and the only way for [me]_0-i to do so is for [you]_111-chad to . ' That [I]_0-i wanted to stay seemed to interest [him]_111-chad , and [he]_111-chad acted on that . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} turned it over . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad wants then [himself]_111-chad to stay . " "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad half wants it . That is [he]_111-chad half wants to go . [My]_0-i original appeal has to that extent worked in [him]_111-chad . Nevertheless , " [Strether]_82-strether pursued , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad wo n't go . Not , at least , so long as [I]_0-i 'm [here]_3103-here . " "_[111-chad] But [you]_0-i ca n't , " [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} suggested , ' stay [here]_3103-here always . [I]_0-i wish [you]_0-i could . "_[0-i] " By no means . Still , [I]_111-chad want to see [him]_111-chad a little further . [He]_111-chad 's not in the least the case [I]_111-chad supposed , [he]_111-chad 's quite another case . And it 's as such that [he]_111-chad interests [me]_111-chad . "_[111-chad] It was almost as if for [his]_111-chad own intelligence that , deliberate and lucid , [[our]_1598-our friend]_{235-our friend} thus expressed the matter . " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't want to give [him]_111-chad up . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} but desired to help [his]_111-chad lucidity . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had however to be light and tactful . " Up , [you]_{99-miss gostrey} mean - a - to [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Well , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm not thinking of [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} now . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm thinking of the plan of which [I]_{99-miss gostrey} was the mouthpiece , which , as soon as [we]_1598-our met , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} put before [him]_111-chad as persuasively as [I]_{99-miss gostrey} knew how , and which was drawn up , as it were , in complete ignorance of all that , in this last long period , has been happening to [him]_111-chad . It took no account whatever of the impression [I]_{99-miss gostrey} was here on the spot immediately to begin to receive from [him]_111-chad - impressions of which [I]_{99-miss gostrey} feel sure [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm far from having had the last . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had a smile of the most genial criticism . " So [your]_{99-miss gostrey} idea is - more or less - to stay out of curiosity ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Call it what [you]_{99-miss gostrey} like ! [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't care what it 's called - "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " So long as [you]_{99-miss gostrey} do stay ? Certainly not then . [I]_97-mamie call it , all the same , immense fun , "_[97-mamie] [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie declared ; " and to see [you]_{99-miss gostrey} work it out will be one of the sensations of [my]_1600-my life . It IS clear [you]_{99-miss gostrey} can toddle alone ! "_[1600-my] [He]_1600-my received this tribute without elation . " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} sha n't be alone when [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} have come . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Her]_{99-miss gostrey} eyebrows went up . " [The Pococks]_{135-the pococks} are coming ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " That , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} mean , is what will happen - and happen as quickly as possible - in consequence of [Chad]_111-chad 's cable . [They]_4128-they 'll simply embark . [Sarah]_126-sarah will come to speak for [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} - with an effect different from [MY]_{99-miss gostrey} muddle . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} more gravely wondered . " [SHE]_{99-miss gostrey} then will take [him]_1600-my back ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Very possibly - and [we]_4130-our shall see . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} must at any rate have the chance , and [she]_{99-miss gostrey} may be trusted to do all [she]_{99-miss gostrey} can . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " And do [you]_82-strether WANT that ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Of course , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [I]_82-strether want it . [I]_82-strether want to play fair . "_{[82-strether]} But [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had lost for a moment the thread . " If it devolves on [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} why do [you]_82-strether stay ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Just to see that [I]_82-strether DO play fair - and a little also , no doubt , that [they]_4131-they do . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether was luminous as [he]_82-strether had never been . " [I]_82-strether came out to find [myself]_82-strether in presence of new facts - facts that have kept striking [me]_82-strether as less and less met by [our]_4130-our old reasons . The matter 's perfectly simple . New reasons - reasons as new as the facts themselves - are wanted ; and of this [[our]_4130-our friends at [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{4132-our friends at woollett} - [Chad]_111-chad 's and [mine]_82-strether - were at the earliest moment definitely notified . If any are producible [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} will produce [them]_4131-they ; [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 'll bring over the whole collection . [They]_4131-they 'll be , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added with a pensive smile " a part of the ' fun ' [you]_1601-i speak of . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_1601-i was quite in the current now and floating by [his]_82-strether side . " It 's [Mamie]_97-mamie - so far as [I]_1601-i 've had it from [you]_1601-i - who 'll be [their]_4131-they great card . "_[1601-i] And then as [his]_82-strether contemplative silence was n't a denial [she]_1601-i significantly added : " [I]_1601-i think [I]_1601-i 'm sorry for [her]_1601-i . "_[1601-i] " [I]_1601-i think [I]_1601-i am ! "_[1601-i] - and [Strether]_82-strether sprang up , moving about a little as [her]_1601-i eyes followed [him]_82-strether . " But it ca n't be helped . "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether mean [her]_1601-i coming out ca n't be ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether explained after another turn what [he]_82-strether meant . " The only way for [her]_1601-i not to come is for [me]_82-strether to go [home]_2874-home - as [I]_82-strether believe that on the spot [I]_82-strether could prevent it . But the difficulty as to that is that if [I]_82-strether do go [home]_2874-home - "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_1601-i see , [I]_1601-i see "_[1601-i] - [she]_1601-i had easily understood . " [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} will do the same , and that 's not "_[1601-i] - [she]_1601-i laughed out now - " to be thought of . "_[1601-i] [Strether]_82-strether had no laugh ; [he]_82-strether had only a quiet comparatively placid look that might have shown [him]_82-strether as proof against ridicule . " Strange , is n't it ? "_{[82-strether]} [They]_1602-they had , in the matter that so much interested [them]_1602-they , come so far as this without sounding another name - to which however [their]_1602-they present momentary silence was full of a conscious reference . [Strether]_82-strether 's question was a sufficient implication of the weight it had gained with [him]_82-strether during the absence of [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} ; and just for that reason a single gesture from [her]_1601-i could pass for [him]_82-strether as a vivid answer . Yet [he]_82-strether was answered still better when [she]_1601-i said in a moment : " Will [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} introduce [[his]_{114-mr. newsome} sister]_{4135-his sister} - ? "_[1601-i] " To [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether spoke the name at last . " [I]_82-strether shall be greatly surprised if [he]_{114-mr. newsome} does n't . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_1601-i seemed to gaze at the possibility . " [You]_82-strether mean [you]_82-strether 've thought of it and [you]_82-strether 're prepared . "_[1601-i] " [I]_1601-i 've thought of it and [I]_1601-i 'm prepared . "_[1601-i] It was to [[her]_1601-i visitor]_{1604-her visitor} now that [she]_1601-i applied [her]_1601-i consideration . " [Bon]_119-bon ! [You]_82-strether ARE magnificent ! "_[1601-i] " Well , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether answered after a pause and a little wearily , but still standing there before [her]_1601-i - " well , that 's what , just once in all [my]_82-strether dull days , [I]_82-strether think [I]_82-strether shall like to have been ! "_{[82-strether]} Two days later [he]_82-strether had news from [Chad]_111-chad of a communication from [Woollett]_87-woollett in response to [their]_1605-their determinant telegram , this missive being addressed to [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad and announcing the immediate departure for [France]_49-france of [Sarah]_126-sarah and [Jim]_118-jim and [Mamie]_97-mamie . [Strether]_82-strether had meanwhile on [his]_82-strether own side cabled ; [he]_82-strether had but delayed that act till after [his]_82-strether visit to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , an interview by which , as so often before , [he]_82-strether felt [his]_82-strether sense of things cleared up and settled . [His]_82-strether message to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , in answer to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} own , had consisted of the words : " Judge best to take another month , but with full appreciation of all re - enforcements . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether had added that [he]_82-strether was writing , but [he]_82-strether was of course always writing ; it was a practice that continued , oddly enough , to relieve [him]_82-strether , to make [him]_82-strether come nearer than anything else to the consciousness of doing something : so that [he]_82-strether often wondered if [he]_82-strether had n't really , under [his]_82-strether recent stress , acquired some hollow trick , one of the specious arts of make - believe . Would n't the pages [he]_82-strether still so freely dispatched by the American post have been worthy of [a showy journalist]_{1606-a showy journalist} , [some master of the great new science of beating the sense out of words]_{1607-some master of the great new science of beating the sense out of words} ? Was n't [he]_82-strether writing against time , and mainly to show [he]_82-strether was kind ? - since it had become quite [his]_82-strether habit not to like to read [himself]_82-strether over . On those lines [he]_82-strether could still be liberal , yet it was at best a sort of whistling in the dark . It was unmistakeable moreover that the sense of being in the dark now pressed on [him]_82-strether more sharply - creating thereby the need for a louder and livelier whistle . [He]_82-strether whistled long and hard after sending [his]_82-strether message ; [he]_82-strether whistled again and again in celebration of [Chad]_111-chad 's news ; there was an interval of a fortnight in which this exercise helped [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether had no great notion of what , on the spot , [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah would have to say , though [he]_82-strether had indeed confused premonitions ; but it should n't be in [her]_126-sarah power to say - it should n't be in [any one]_{2912-any one} 's anywhere to say - that [he]_82-strether was neglecting [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} . [He]_82-strether might have written before more freely , but [he]_82-strether had never written more copiously ; and [he]_82-strether frankly gave for a reason at [Woollett]_87-woollett that [he]_82-strether wished to fill the void created there by [Sarah]_126-sarah 's departure . The increase of [his]_82-strether darkness , however , and the quickening , as [I]_0-i have called it , of [his]_82-strether tune , resided in the fact that [he]_82-strether was hearing almost nothing . [He]_82-strether had for some time been aware that [he]_82-strether was hearing less than before , and [he]_82-strether was now clearly following a process by which [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's letters could but logically stop . [He]_82-strether had n't had a line for many days , and [he]_82-strether needed no proof - though [he]_82-strether was , in time , to have plenty - that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} would n't have put pen to paper after receiving the hint that had determined [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} telegram . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} would n't write till [Sarah]_126-sarah should have seen [him]_82-strether and reported on [him]_82-strether . It was strange , though it might well be less so than [his]_82-strether own behaviour appeared at [Woollett]_87-woollett . It was at any rate significant , and what WAS remarkable was the way [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's nature and manner put on for [him]_82-strether , through this very drop of demonstration , a greater intensity . It struck [him]_82-strether really that [he]_82-strether had never so lived with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} as during this period of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} silence ; the silence was a sacred hush , a finer clearer medium , in which [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} idiosyncrasies showed . [He]_82-strether walked about with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , sat with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , drove with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} and dined face - to - face with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} - a rare treat " in [his]_82-strether life , "_{[82-strether]} as [he]_82-strether could perhaps have scarce escaped phrasing it ; and if [he]_82-strether had never seen [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} so soundless [he]_82-strether had never , on the other hand , felt [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} so highly , so almost austerely , [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} : pure and by the vulgar estimate " cold , "_{[1611-deep devoted delicate sensitive noble]} but [deep devoted delicate sensitive noble]_{1611-deep devoted delicate sensitive noble} . [Her]_{88-mrs. newsome} vividness in these respects became for [him]_82-strether , in the special conditions , almost an obsession ; and though the obsession sharpened [his]_82-strether pulses , adding really to the excitement of life , there were hours at which , to be less on the stretch , [he]_82-strether directly sought forgetfulness . [He]_82-strether knew it for the queerest of adventures - a circumstance capable of playing such a part only for [Lambert Strether]_82-strether - that in [Paris]_1-paris [itself]_1-paris , of all places , [he]_82-strether should find [this ghost of [the lady of [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{1613-the lady of woollett}]_{1612-this ghost of the lady of woollett} more importunate than any other presence . When [he]_82-strether went back to [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie it was for the change to something else . And yet after all the change scarcely operated for [he]_82-strether talked to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} in these days as [he]_82-strether had never talked before . [He]_82-strether had hitherto observed in that particular a discretion and a law ; considerations that at present broke down quite as if relations had altered . [They]_1614-they had n't REALLY altered , [he]_82-strether said to [himself]_82-strether , so much as that came to ; for if what had occurred was of course that [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} had ceased to trust [him]_82-strether , there was nothing on the other hand to prove that [he]_82-strether should n't win back [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} confidence . It was quite [his]_82-strether present theory that [he]_82-strether would leave no stone unturned to do so ; and in fact if [he]_82-strether now told [Maria]_97-mamie things about [her]_97-mamie that [he]_82-strether had never told before this was largely because it kept before [him]_82-strether the idea of the honour of [such a woman]_{1487-such a woman} 's esteem . [His]_82-strether relation with [Maria]_97-mamie as well was , strangely enough , no longer quite the same ; this truth - though not too disconcertingly - had come up between [them]_1616-their on the renewal of [their]_1616-their meetings . It was all contained in what [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had then almost immediately said to [him]_82-strether ; it was represented by the remark [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had needed but ten minutes to make and that [he]_82-strether had n't been disposed to gainsay . [He]_82-strether could toddle alone , and the difference that showed was extraordinary . The turn taken by [their]_1616-their talk had promptly confirmed this difference ; [his]_82-strether larger confidence on the score of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} did the rest ; and the time seemed already far off when [he]_82-strether had held out [his]_82-strether small thirsty cup to the spout of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} pail . [Her]_{88-mrs. newsome} pail was scarce touched now , and other fountains had flowed for [him]_82-strether ; [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} fell into [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} place as but one of [his]_82-strether tributaries ; and there was a strange sweetness - a melancholy mildness that touched [him]_82-strether - in [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} acceptance of the altered order . It marked for [himself]_82-strether the flight of time , or at any rate what [he]_82-strether was pleased to think of with irony and pity as the rush of experience ; it having been but the day before yesterday that [he]_82-strether sat at [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} feet and held on by [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} garment and was fed by [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} hand . It was the proportions that were changed , and the proportions were at all times , [he]_82-strether philosophised , the very conditions of perception , the terms of thought . It was as if , with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} effective little entresol and and [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} wide acquaintance , [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} activities , varieties , promiscuities , the duties and devotions that took up nine tenths of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} time and of which [he]_82-strether got , guardedly , but the side - wind - it was as if [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had shrunk to a secondary element and had consented to the shrinkage with the perfection of tact . This perfection had never failed [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ; it had originally been greater than [his]_82-strether prime measure for it ; it had kept [him]_82-strether quite apart , kept [him]_82-strether out of [the shop]_{2971-the shop} , as [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} called [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} huge general acquaintance , made [their]_1618-their commerce as quiet , as much a thing of [the home]_{1619-the home} alone - [the opposite of [the shop]_{2971-the shop}]_{1620-the opposite of the shop} - as if [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had never [another customer]_{1622-another customer} . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} had been wonderful to [him]_82-strether at first , with the memory of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} little entresol , the image to which , on most mornings at that time , [his]_82-strether eyes directly opened ; but now [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} mainly figured for [him]_82-strether as but part of the bristling total - though of course always as [a person to whom [he]_82-strether should never cease to be indebted]_{1623-a person to whom he should never cease to be indebted} . It would never be given to [him]_82-strether certainly to inspire a greater kindness . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} had decked [him]_82-strether out for [others]_2890-others , and [he]_82-strether saw at this point at least nothing [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} would ever ask for . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} only wondered and questioned and listened , rendering [him]_82-strether the homage of a wistful speculation . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} expressed it repeatedly ; [he]_82-strether was already far beyond [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , and [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} must prepare [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} to lose [him]_82-strether . There was but one little chance for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . Often as [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had said it [he]_82-strether met it - for it was a touch [he]_82-strether liked - each time the same way . " [My]_{88-mrs. newsome} coming to grief ? "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} " Yes - then [I]_{88-mrs. newsome} might patch [you]_82-strether up . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} " Oh for [my]_{88-mrs. newsome} real smash , if it takes place , there will be no patching . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} " But [you]_82-strether surely do n't mean it will kill [you]_82-strether . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} " No - worse . It will make [me]_{88-mrs. newsome} old . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} " Ah nothing can do that ! The wonderful and special thing about [you]_82-strether is that [you]_82-strether ARE , at this time of day , [youth]_869-youth . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Then [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} always made , further , one of those remarks that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had completely ceased to adorn with hesitations or apologies , and that had , by the same token , in spite of [their]_1625-their extreme straightness , ceased to produce in [Strether]_82-strether the least embarrassment . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} made [him]_82-strether believe them , and they became thereby as impersonal as truth itself . " It 's just [your]_82-strether particular charm . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [His]_82-strether answer too was always the same . " Of course [I]_82-strether 'm [youth]_869-youth - youth for the trip to [Europe]_6-europe . [I]_82-strether began to be young , or at least to get the benefit of it , the moment [I]_82-strether met [you]_82-strether at [Chester]_3-chester , and that 's what has been taking place ever since . [I]_82-strether never had the benefit at the proper time - which comes to saying that [I]_82-strether never had the thing itself . [I]_82-strether 'm having the benefit at this moment ; [I]_82-strether had it the other day when [I]_82-strether said to [Chad]_111-chad ' Wait ' ; [I]_82-strether shall have it still again when [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah arrives . It 's a benefit that would make a poor show for [many people]_{4138-many people} ; and [I]_82-strether do n't know who else but [you]_82-strether and [I]_82-strether , frankly , could begin to see in it what [I]_82-strether feel . [I]_82-strether do n't get drunk ; [I]_82-strether do n't pursue [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} ; [I]_82-strether do n't spend money ; [I]_82-strether do n't even write sonnets . But nevertheless [I]_82-strether 'm making up late for what [I]_82-strether did n't have early . [I]_82-strether cultivate [my]_82-strether little benefit in [my]_82-strether own little way . It amuses [me]_82-strether more than anything that has happened to [me]_82-strether in all [my]_82-strether life . [They]_4140-they may say what [they]_4140-they like - it 's [my]_82-strether surrender , it 's [my]_82-strether tribute , to [youth]_869-youth . [One]_2797-one puts that in where [one]_2797-one can - it has to come in somewhere , if only out of the lives , the conditions , the feelings of [other persons]_{2860-other persons} . [Chad]_111-chad gives [me]_82-strether the sense of it , for all [his]_111-chad grey hairs , which merely make it solid in [him]_111-chad and safe and serene ; and [SHE]_4145-her does the same , for all [her]_4145-her being older than [he]_111-chad , for all [[her]_4145-her marriageable daughter]_{4146-her marriageable daughter} , [[her]_4145-her separated husband]_{4147-her separated husband} , [her]_4145-her agitated history . Though [they]_4140-they 're young enough , [[my]_82-strether pair]_{4148-my pair} , [I]_82-strether do n't say [they]_4140-they 're , in the freshest way , [their]_4140-they own absolutely prime adolescence ; for that has nothing to do with it . The point is that [they]_4140-they 're [mine]_82-strether . Yes , [they]_4140-they 're [my]_82-strether youth ; since somehow at the right time nothing else ever was . What [I]_82-strether meant just now therefore is that it would all go - go before doing its work - if [they]_4140-they were to fail [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} On which , just here , [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} inveterately questioned . " What do [you]_1626-you , in particular , call its work ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Well , to see [me]_82-strether through . "_{[82-strether]} " But through what ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} - [she]_{99-miss gostrey} liked to get it all out of [him]_1626-you . " Why through this experience . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} That was all that would come . It regularly gave [her]_{99-miss gostrey} none the less the last word . " Do n't [you]_1626-you remember how in those first days of [our]_4149-our meeting it was [I]_{99-miss gostrey} who was to see [you]_1626-you through ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Remember ? [Tenderly]_173-tenderly , deeply "_[1626-you] - [he]_1626-you always rose to it . " [You]_1626-you 're just doing [your]_1626-you part in letting [me]_1626-you maunder to [you]_1626-you thus . "_[1626-you] " [Ah]_1626-you do n't speak as if [my]_{99-miss gostrey} part were small ; since whatever else fails [you]_1626-you - "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [YOU]_1626-you wo n't , ever , ever , ever ? "_[1626-you] - [he]_1626-you thus took [her]_{99-miss gostrey} up . " Oh [I]_1626-you beg [your]_{99-miss gostrey} pardon ; [you]_{99-miss gostrey} necessarily , [you]_{99-miss gostrey} inevitably WILL . [Your]_{99-miss gostrey} conditions - that 's what [I]_1626-you mean - wo n't allow [me]_1626-you anything to do for [you]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[1626-you] " Let alone - [I]_{99-miss gostrey} see what [you]_1626-you mean - that [I]_{99-miss gostrey} 'm drearily dreadfully old . [I]_{99-miss gostrey} AM , but there 's a service - possible for [you]_{99-miss gostrey} to render - that [I]_{99-miss gostrey} know , all the same , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} shall think of . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " And what will it be ? "_[1626-you] This , in fine , however , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} would never tell [him]_1626-you . " [You]_{99-miss gostrey} shall hear only if [your]_{99-miss gostrey} smash takes place . As that 's really out of the question , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} wo n't expose [myself]_{99-miss gostrey} "_{[99-miss gostrey]} - a point at which , for reasons of [his]_1626-you own , [Strether]_82-strether ceased to press . [He]_82-strether came round , for publicity - it was the easiest thing - to the idea that [his]_82-strether smash WAS out of the question , and this rendered idle the discussion of what might follow it . [He]_82-strether attached an added importance , as the days elapsed , to the arrival of [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} ; [he]_82-strether had even a shameful sense of waiting for it insincerely and incorrectly . [He]_82-strether accused [himself]_82-strether of making believe to [his]_82-strether own mind that [Sarah]_126-sarah 's presence , [her]_126-sarah impression , [her]_126-sarah judgement would simplify and harmonise , [he]_82-strether accused [himself]_82-strether of being so afraid of what [they]_1627-they MIGHT do that [he]_82-strether sought refuge , to beg the whole question , in a vain fury . [He]_82-strether had abundantly seen at [home]_2874-home what [they]_1627-they were in the habit of doing , and [he]_82-strether had not at present the smallest ground . [His]_82-strether clearest vision was when [he]_82-strether made out that what [he]_82-strether most desired was an account more full and free of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's state of mind than any [he]_82-strether felt [he]_82-strether could now expect from [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} ; that calculation at least went hand in hand with the sharp consciousness of wishing to prove to [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether was not afraid to look [his]_82-strether behaviour in the face . If [he]_82-strether was by an inexorable logic to pay for it [he]_82-strether was literally impatient to know the cost , and [he]_82-strether held [himself]_82-strether ready to pay in instalments . The first instalment would be precisely this entertainment of [Sarah]_126-sarah ; as a consequence of which moreover , [he]_82-strether should know vastly better how [he]_82-strether stood . [Book Eighth I Strether]_82-strether rambled alone during these few days , the effect of the incident of the previous week having been to simplify in a marked fashion [his]_82-strether mixed relations with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . Nothing had passed between [them]_1629-them in reference to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's summons but that [[our]_1630-our friend]_{235-our friend} had mentioned to [his]_82-strether own the departure of the deputation actually at [sea]_960-sea - giving [him]_82-strether thus an opportunity to confess to the occult intervention [he]_82-strether imputed to [him]_82-strether . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh however in the event confessed to nothing ; and though this falsified in some degree [Strether]_82-strether 's forecast [the latter]_{504-the latter} amusedly saw in it the same depth of good conscience out of which [the dear man]_{1634-the dear man} 's impertinence had originally sprung . [He]_82-strether was patient with [the dear man]_{1634-the dear man} now and delighted to observe how unmistakeably [he]_82-strether had put on flesh ; [he]_82-strether felt [his]_82-strether own holiday so successfully large and free that [he]_82-strether was full of allowances and charities in respect to those cabined and confined ' [his]_82-strether instinct toward a spirit so strapped down as [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's was to walk round [it]_1636-it on tiptoe for fear of waking [it]_1636-it up to a sense of losses by this time irretrievable . It was all very funny [he]_96-waymarsh knew , and but the difference , as [he]_96-waymarsh often said to [himself]_96-waymarsh , of tweedledum and tweedledee - an emancipation so purely comparative that it was like the advance of the door - mat on the scraper ; yet the present crisis was happily to profit by it and the pilgrim from [Milrose]_104-milrose to know [himself]_96-waymarsh more than ever in the right . [Strether]_82-strether felt that when [he]_82-strether heard of the approach of [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} the impulse of pity quite sprang up in [him]_82-strether beside the impulse of triumph . That was exactly why [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had looked at [him]_96-waymarsh with eyes in which the heat of justice was measured and shaded . [He]_96-waymarsh had looked very hard , as if affectionately sorry for [the friend]_{1637-the friend} - [the friend of fifty - five]_{1638-the friend of fifty - five} - whose frivolity had had thus to be recorded ; becoming , however , but obscurely sententious and leaving [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} to formulate a charge . It was in this general attitude that [he]_96-waymarsh had of late altogether taken refuge ; with the drop of discussion they were solemnly sadly superficial ; [Strether]_82-strether recognised in [him]_96-waymarsh the mere portentous rumination to which [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} had so good - humouredly described [herself]_{131-miss barrace} as assigning a corner of [[her]_{131-miss barrace} salon]_{1640-her salon} . It was quite as if [he]_96-waymarsh knew [his]_96-waymarsh surreptitious step had been divined , and it was also as if [he]_96-waymarsh missed the chance to explain the purity of [his]_96-waymarsh motive ; but this privation of relief should be precisely [his]_96-waymarsh small penance : it was not amiss for [Strether]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether should find [himself]_82-strether to that degree uneasy . If [he]_96-waymarsh had been challenged or accused , rebuked for meddling or otherwise pulled up , [he]_96-waymarsh would probably have shown , on [his]_96-waymarsh own system , all the height of [his]_96-waymarsh consistency , all the depth of [his]_96-waymarsh good faith . Explicit resentment of [his]_96-waymarsh course would have made [him]_96-waymarsh take the floor , and the thump of [his]_96-waymarsh fist on the table would have affirmed [him]_96-waymarsh as consciously incorruptible . Had what now really prevailed with [Strether]_82-strether been but a dread of that thump - a dread of wincing a little painfully at what it might invidiously demonstrate ? However this might be , at any rate , one of the marks of the crisis was a visible , a studied lapse , in Waymarsh , of betrayed concern . As if to make up to [[his]_96-waymarsh comrade]_{268-his comrade} for the stroke by which [he]_96-waymarsh had played providence [he]_96-waymarsh now conspicuously ignored [his]_96-waymarsh movements , withdrew [himself]_96-waymarsh from the pretension to share them , stiffened up [his]_96-waymarsh sensibility to neglect , and , clasping [his]_96-waymarsh large empty hands and swinging [his]_96-waymarsh large restless foot , clearly looked to another quarter for justice . This made for independence on [Strether]_82-strether 's part , and [he]_96-waymarsh had in truth at no moment of [his]_96-waymarsh stay been so free to go and come . The early summer brushed the picture over and blurred everything but the near ; it made a vast warm fragrant medium in which the elements floated together on the best of terms , in which rewards were immediate and reckonings postponed . [Chad]_111-chad was out of [town]_1642-town again , for the first time since [[his]_111-chad visitor]_{430-his visitor} 's first view of [him]_111-chad ; [he]_111-chad had explained this necessity - without detail , yet also without embarrassment , the circumstance was one of those which , in [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's life , testified to the variety of [his]_{2833-the young man} ties . [Strether]_82-strether was n't otherwise concerned with it than for its so testifying - a pleasant multitudinous image in which [he]_82-strether took comfort . [He]_82-strether took comfort , by the same stroke , in the swing of [Chad]_111-chad 's pendulum back from that other swing , the sharp jerk towards [Woollett]_87-woollett , so stayed by [his]_82-strether own hand . [He]_82-strether had the entertainment of thinking that if [he]_82-strether had for that moment stopped the clock it was to promote the next minute this still livelier motion . [He]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether did what [he]_82-strether had n't done before ; [he]_82-strether took two or three times whole days off - irrespective of others , of two or three taken with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , two or three taken with [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} : [he]_82-strether went to [Chartres]_51-chartres and cultivated , before the front of [the cathedral]_{384-the cathedral} , a general easy beatitude ; [he]_82-strether went to [Fontainebleau]_{52-fontainebleau} and imagined [himself]_82-strether on the way to [Italy]_53-italy ; [he]_82-strether went to [Rouen]_54-rouen with a little handbag and inordinately spent the night . One afternoon [he]_82-strether did something quite different ; finding [himself]_82-strether in [the neighbourhood of [a fine old house across [the river]_{720-the river}]_{1647-a fine old house across the river}]_{1646-the neighbourhood of a fine old house across the river} , [he]_82-strether passed under the great arch of [its]_{1647-a fine old house across the river} doorway and asked at [[the porter]_{4088-the porter} 's lodge]_{4089-the porter 's lodge} for [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_82-strether had already hovered more than once about that possibility , been aware of it , in the course of ostensible strolls , as lurking but round the corner . Only it had perversely happened , after [his]_82-strether morning at [Notre Dame]_{44-notre dame} , that [his]_82-strether consistency , as [he]_82-strether considered and intended it , had come back to [him]_82-strether ; whereby [he]_82-strether had reflected that the encounter in question had been none of [his]_82-strether making ; clinging again intensely to the strength of [his]_82-strether position , which was precisely that there was nothing in it for [himself]_82-strether . From the moment [he]_82-strether actively pursued the charming associate of [his]_82-strether adventure , from that moment [his]_82-strether position weakened , for [he]_82-strether was then acting in an interested way . It was only within a few days that [he]_82-strether had fixed [himself]_82-strether a limit : [he]_82-strether promised [himself]_82-strether [his]_82-strether consistency should end with [Sarah]_126-sarah 's arrival . It was arguing correctly to feel the title to a free hand conferred on [him]_82-strether by this event . If [he]_82-strether was n't to be let alone [he]_82-strether should be merely [a dupe to act with delicacy]_{1651-a dupe to act with delicacy} . If [he]_82-strether was n't to be trusted [he]_82-strether could at least take [his]_82-strether ease . If [he]_82-strether was to be placed under control [he]_82-strether gained leave to try what [his]_82-strether position MIGHT agreeably give [him]_82-strether . An ideal rigour would perhaps postpone the trial till after [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} had shown [their]_1652-their spirit ; and it was to an ideal rigour that [he]_82-strether had quite promised [himself]_82-strether to conform . Suddenly , however , on this particular day , [he]_82-strether felt a particular fear under which everything collapsed . [He]_82-strether knew abruptly that [he]_82-strether was afraid of [himself]_82-strether - and yet not in relation to the effect on [his]_82-strether sensibilities of another hour of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . What [he]_82-strether dreaded was the effect of a single hour of [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah , as to whom [he]_82-strether was visited , in troubled nights , with fantastic waking dreams . [She]_126-sarah loomed at [him]_82-strether larger than life ; [she]_126-sarah increased in volume as [she]_126-sarah drew nearer ; [she]_126-sarah so met [his]_82-strether eyes that , [his]_82-strether imagination taking , after the first step , all , and more than all , the strides , [he]_82-strether already felt [her]_126-sarah come down on [him]_82-strether , already burned , under [her]_126-sarah reprobation , with the blush of guilt , already consented , by way of penance , to the instant forfeiture of everything . [He]_82-strether saw [himself]_82-strether , under [her]_126-sarah direction , recommitted to [Woollett]_87-woollett as [juvenile offenders]_{1653-juvenile offenders} are committed to [reformatories]_{1654-reformatories} . It was n't of course that [Woollett]_87-woollett was really [a place of discipline]_{1655-a place of discipline} ; but [he]_82-strether knew in advance that [[Sarah]_126-sarah 's salon]_{1656-sarah 's salon} at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} would be . [His]_82-strether danger , at any rate , in such moods of alarm , was some concession , on this ground , that would involve a sharp rupture with the actual ; therefore if [he]_82-strether waited to take leave of that actual [he]_82-strether might wholly miss [his]_82-strether chance . It was represented with supreme vividness by [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , and that is why , in a word , [he]_82-strether waited no longer . [He]_82-strether had seen in a flash that [he]_82-strether must anticipate [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . [He]_82-strether was accordingly much disappointed on now learning from [the portress]_{1658-the portress} that [the lady of [his]_82-strether quest]_{1659-the lady of his quest} was not in [Paris]_1-paris . [She]_{1659-the lady of his quest} had gone for some days to [the country]_{1660-the country} . There was nothing in this accident but what was natural ; yet it produced for [poor Strether]_82-strether a drop of all confidence . It was suddenly as if [he]_82-strether should never see [her]_{1659-the lady of his quest} again , and as if moreover [he]_82-strether had brought it on [himself]_82-strether by not having been quite kind to [her]_{1659-the lady of his quest} . It was the advantage of [his]_82-strether having let [his]_82-strether fancy lose itself for a little in the gloom that , as by reaction , the prospect began really to brighten from the moment the deputation from [Woollett]_87-woollett alighted on [the platform of [the station]_{1297-the station}]_{1661-the platform of the station} . [They]_1663-them had come straight from [Havre]_55-havre , having sailed from [New York]_{35-new york} to [that port]_{1664-that port} , and having also , thanks to a happy voyage , made [land]_1665-land with a promptitude that left [Chad Newsome]_111-chad , who had meant to meet [them]_1663-them at [the dock]_{264-the dock} , belated . [He]_111-chad had received [their]_1663-them telegram , with the announcement of [their]_1663-them immediate further advance , just as [he]_111-chad was taking [the train]_{1290-the train} for [Havre]_55-havre , so that nothing had remained for [him]_111-chad but to await [them]_1663-them in [Paris]_1-paris . [He]_111-chad hastily picked up [Strether]_82-strether , at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} , for this purpose , and [he]_111-chad even , with easy pleasantry , suggested the attendance of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh as well - [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , at the moment [[his]_96-waymarsh cab]_{1669-his cab} rattled up , being engaged , under [Strether]_82-strether 's contemplative range , in a grave perambulation of the familiar court . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had learned from [[his]_96-waymarsh companion]_{388-his companion} , who had already had a note , delivered by hand , from [Chad]_111-chad , that [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} were due , and had ambiguously , though , as always , impressively , glowered at [him]_111-chad over the circumstance ; carrying [himself]_111-chad in a manner in which [Strether]_82-strether was now expert enough to recognise [his]_111-chad uncertainty , in the premises , as to the best tone . The only tone [he]_111-chad aimed at with confidence was a full tone - which was necessarily difficult in the absence of a full knowledge . [The Pococks]_{135-the pococks} were a quantity as yet unmeasured , and , as [he]_111-chad had practically brought [them]_1671-them over , so [this witness]_{1672-this witness} had to that extent exposed [himself]_111-chad . [He]_111-chad wanted to feel right about it , but could only , at the best , for the time , feel vague . " [I]_{235-our friend} shall look to [you]_111-chad , [you]_111-chad know , immensely , "_{[235-our friend]} [[our]_1673-they friend]_{235-our friend} had said , " to help [me]_{235-our friend} with [them]_1671-them , "_{[235-our friend]} and [he]_111-chad had been quite conscious of the effect of the remark , and of [others of the same sort]_{1675-others of the same sort} , on [[his]_111-chad comrade]_{268-his comrade} 's sombre sensibility . [He]_111-chad had insisted on the fact that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would quite like [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} - one could be certain [he]_96-waymarsh would : [he]_96-waymarsh would be with [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} about everything , and [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} would also be with [HIM]_96-waymarsh , and [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} 's nose , in short , would find itself out of joint . [Strether]_82-strether had woven this web of cheerfulness while [they]_1673-they waited in [the court]_{3762-the court} for [Chad]_111-chad ; [he]_82-strether had sat smoking cigarettes to keep [himself]_82-strether quiet while , caged and leonine , [[his]_82-strether fellow traveller]_{1678-his fellow traveller} paced and turned before [him]_82-strether . [Chad Newsome]_111-chad was doubtless to be struck , when [he]_82-strether arrived , with the sharpness of [their]_1673-they opposition at this particular hour ; [he]_82-strether was to remember , as a part of it , how [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh came with [him]_82-strether and with [Strether]_82-strether to [the street]_{356-the street} and stood there with a face half - wistful and half - rueful . [They]_1673-they talked of [him]_96-waymarsh , [the two others]_{1680-the two others} , as [they]_1673-they drove , and [Strether]_82-strether put [Chad]_111-chad in possession of much of [his]_82-strether own strained sense of things . [He]_82-strether had already , a few days before , named to [him]_111-chad the wire [he]_82-strether was convinced [[their]_1673-they friend]_{2954-their friend} had pulled - a confidence that had made on [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's part quite hugely for curiosity and diversion . The action of the matter , moreover , [Strether]_82-strether could see , was to penetrate ; [he]_82-strether saw that is , how [Chad]_111-chad judged a system of influence in which [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had served as a determinant - an impression just now quickened again ; with the whole bearing of such a fact on [the youth]_{804-the youth} 's view of [[his]_{2833-the young man} relatives]_{1684-his relatives} . As it came up between [them]_1673-they that [they]_1673-they might now take [[their]_1673-they friend]_{2954-their friend} for a feature of the control of [these latter]_{1686-these latter} now sought to be exerted from [Woollett]_87-woollett , [Strether]_82-strether felt indeed how it would be stamped all over [him]_82-strether , half an hour later for [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah 's eyes , that [he]_82-strether was as much on [Chad]_111-chad 's ' side " as [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had probably described [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether was letting [himself]_82-strether at present , go ; there was no denying it ; it might be desperation , it might be confidence ; [he]_82-strether should offer [himself]_82-strether to [the arriving travellers]_{4150-the arriving travellers} bristling with all the lucidity [he]_82-strether had cultivated . [He]_82-strether repeated to [Chad]_111-chad what [he]_82-strether had been saying in [the court]_{3762-the court} to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh ; how there was no doubt whatever that [[his]_82-strether sister]_{4135-his sister} would find [the latter a kindred spirit]_{4153-the latter a kindred spirit} , no doubt of the alliance , based on an exchange of views , that [the pair]_{4154-the pair} would successfully strike up . [They]_{4154-the pair} would become as thick as [thieves]_4155-thieves - which moreover was but a development of what [Strether]_82-strether remembered to have said in one of [his]_82-strether first discussions with [[his]_82-strether mate]_{4156-his mate} , struck as [he]_82-strether had then already been with the elements of affinity between [that personage]_{3531-that personage} and [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [him]_1687-him , one day , when [he]_1687-him had questioned [me]_0-i on [[your]_1688-your mother]_{1043-your mother} , that [she]_{1043-your mother} was [a person who , when [he]_1687-him should know [her]_{1043-your mother}]_{1690-a person who , when he should know her} , would rouse in [him]_1687-him , [I]_0-i was sure , a special enthusiasm ; and that hangs together with the conviction [we]_1691-we now feel - this certitude that [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} will take [him]_1687-him into [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} boat]_{3732-her boat} . For it 's [[[your]_1688-your mother]_{1043-your mother} 's own boat]_{1694-your mother 's own boat} that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's pulling . " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} Ah , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [Mother]_141-mother 's worth fifty of [Sally]_126-sarah ! " "_[126-sarah] A thousand ; but when [you]_1688-your presently meet [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} , all the same [you]_1688-your 'll be meeting [[[your]_1688-your mother]_{1043-your mother} 's representative]_{1696-your mother 's representative} - just as [I]_0-i shall . [I]_0-i feel like [the outgoing ambassador]_{1697-the outgoing ambassador} , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_{[1697-the outgoing ambassador]} doing honour to [[his]_{1697-the outgoing ambassador} appointed successor]_{1698-his appointed successor} . " A moment after speaking as [he]_82-strether had just done [he]_82-strether felt [he]_82-strether had inadvertently rather cheapened [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} to [[her]_{88-mrs. newsome} son]_{4158-her son} ; an impression audibly reflected , as at first seen , in [Chad]_111-chad 's prompt protest . [He]_82-strether had recently rather failed of apprehension of [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's attitude and temper - remaining principally conscious of how little worry , at the worst , [he]_82-strether wasted , and [he]_82-strether studied [him]_{2833-the young man} at this critical hour with renewed interest . [Chad]_111-chad had done exactly what [he]_111-chad had promised [him]_111-chad a fortnight previous - had accepted without another question [his]_111-chad plea for delay . [He]_111-chad was waiting cheerfully and handsomely , but also inscrutably and with a slight increase perhaps of the hardness originally involved in [his]_111-chad acquired high polish . [He]_111-chad was neither excited nor depressed ; was easy and acute and deliberate - unhurried unflurried unworried , only at most a little less amused than usual . [Strether]_82-strether felt [him]_111-chad more than ever a justification of the extraordinary process of which [his]_82-strether own absurd spirit had been the arena ; [he]_82-strether knew as [[their]_4160-their cab]_{4161-their cab} rolled along , knew as [he]_82-strether had n't even yet known , that nothing else than what [Chad]_111-chad had done and had been would have led to [his]_82-strether present showing . [They]_4160-their had made [him]_111-chad , these things , what [he]_111-chad was , and the business had n't been easy ; it had taken time and trouble , it had cost , above all , a price . The result at any rate was now to be offered to [Sally]_126-sarah ; which [Strether]_82-strether , so far as that was concerned , was glad to be there to witness . Would [she]_126-sarah in the least make it out or take it in , the result , or would [she]_126-sarah in the least care for it if [she]_126-sarah did ? [He]_82-strether scratched [his]_82-strether chin as [he]_82-strether asked [himself]_82-strether by what name , when challenged - as [he]_82-strether was sure [he]_82-strether should be - [he]_82-strether could call it for [her]_126-sarah . Oh those were determinations [she]_126-sarah must [herself]_126-sarah arrive at ; since [she]_126-sarah wanted so much to see , let [her]_126-sarah see then and welcome . [She]_126-sarah had come out in the pride of [her]_126-sarah competence , yet it hummed in [Strether]_82-strether 's inner sense that [she]_126-sarah practically would n't see . That this was moreover what [Chad]_111-chad shrewdly suspected was clear from a word that next dropped from [him]_111-chad . "_{[1697-the outgoing ambassador]} [They]_1699-they 're [children]_{1700-children} ; [they]_1699-they play at life ! " - and the exclamation was significant and reassuring . It implied that [he]_111-chad had n't then , for [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} 's sensibility , appeared to give [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} away ; and it facilitated [[our]_4163-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's presently asking [him]_111-chad if it were [his]_111-chad idea that [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} should become acquainted . [Strether]_82-strether was still more sharply struck , hereupon , with [Chad]_111-chad 's lucidity . "_[1699-they] Why , is n't that exactly - to get a sight of the company [I]_0-i keep - what [she]_1701-she has come out for ? " "_[1701-she] Yes - [I]_0-i 'm afraid it is , " [Strether]_82-strether unguardedly replied . [Chad]_111-chad 's quick rejoinder lighted [his]_82-strether precipitation . "_[0-i] Why do [you]_0-i say [you]_0-i 're afraid ? " "_[0-i] Well , because [I]_0-i feel a certain responsibility . It 's [my]_0-i testimony , [I]_0-i imagine , that will have been at the bottom of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's curiosity . [My]_0-i letters , as [I]_0-i 've supposed [you]_1702-you to understand from the beginning , have spoken freely . [I]_0-i 've certainly said [my]_0-i little say about [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " All that , for [Chad]_111-chad , was beautifully obvious . "_[0-i] Yes , but [you]_0-i 've only spoken handsomely . " "_[0-i] Never more handsomely of [any woman]_{1065-any woman} . But it 's just that tone - ! " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} That tone , " said [Chad]_111-chad , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} that has fetched [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? [I]_0-i dare say ; but [I]_0-i 've no quarrel with [you]_1702-you about it . And no more has [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . Do n't [you]_1702-you know by this time how [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} likes [you]_1702-you ? " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Oh ! " - and [Strether]_82-strether had , with [his]_82-strether groan , a real pang of melancholy . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} For all [I]_0-i 've done for [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ! " "_[0-i] Ah [you]_0-i 've done a great deal . " [Chad]_111-chad 's urbanity fairly shamed [him]_111-chad , and [he]_111-chad was at this moment absolutely impatient to see the face [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah would present to a sort of thing , as [he]_111-chad synthetically phrased it to [himself]_111-chad , with no adequate forecast of which , despite [his]_111-chad admonitions , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} would certainly arrive . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've done THIS ! " "_[0-i] Well , this is all right . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} likes , " [Chad]_111-chad comfortably remarked , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} to be liked . " [It]_4165-it gave [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} a moment 's thought . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} And [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's sure [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} WILL - ? " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} No , [I]_0-i say that for [you]_0-i . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} likes [your]_0-i liking [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ; it 's so much , as it were , " [Chad]_111-chad laughed , "_[0-i] to the good . However , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} does n't despair of [Sarah]_126-sarah either , and is prepared , on [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} own side , to go all lengths . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} In the way of appreciation ? " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Yes , and of everything else . In the way of general amiability , hospitality and welcome . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's under arms , " [Chad]_111-chad laughed again ; ' [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's prepared . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [Strether]_82-strether took it in ; then as if an echo of [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} were in the air : " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's wonderful . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " [You]_0-i do n't begin to know HOW wonderful ! "_{[82-strether]} There was a depth in it , to [Strether]_82-strether 's ear , of confirmed luxury - almost a kind of unconscious insolence of proprietorship ; but the effect of the glimpse was not at this moment to foster speculation : there was something so conclusive in so much graceful and generous assurance . It was in fact a fresh evocation ; and the evocation had before many minutes another consequence . " Well , [I]_1704-i shall see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} oftener now . [I]_1704-i shall see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} as much as [I]_1704-i like - by [your]_0-i leave ; which is what [I]_1704-i hitherto have n't done . "_[1704-i] " It has been , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad , but without reproach , " only [your]_0-i own fault . [I]_111-chad tried to bring [you]_0-i together , and [SHE]_{85-madame de vionnet} , [[my]_111-chad dear fellow]_{4167-my dear fellow} - [I]_111-chad never saw [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} more charming to [any man]_{4168-any man} . But [you]_0-i 've got [your]_0-i extraordinary ideas . "_[111-chad] " Well , [I]_1704-i DID have , "_[1704-i] [Strether]_82-strether murmured , while [he]_82-strether felt both how [they]_1704-i had possessed [him]_82-strether and how [they]_1704-i had now lost [their]_1704-i authority . [He]_82-strether could n't have traced the sequence to the end , but it was all because of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} might be because of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , but that was still to be proved . What came over [him]_82-strether was the sense of having stupidly failed to profit where profit would have been precious . It had been open to [him]_82-strether to see so much more of [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} , and [he]_82-strether had but let the good days pass . Fierce in [him]_82-strether almost was the resolve to lose no more of [them]_1704-i , and [he]_82-strether whimsically reflected , while at [Chad]_111-chad 's side [he]_82-strether drew nearer to [his]_82-strether destination , that it was after all [Sarah]_126-sarah who would have quickened [his]_82-strether chance . What [her]_126-sarah visit of inquisition might achieve in other directions was as yet all obscure - only not obscure that it would do supremely much to bring [two earnest persons]_{1705-two earnest persons} together . [He]_82-strether had but to listen to [Chad]_111-chad at this moment to feel it ; for [Chad]_111-chad was in the act of remarking to [him]_82-strether that [they]_{1705-two earnest persons} of course both counted on [him]_82-strether - [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether and [the other earnest person]_{1706-the other earnest person} - for cheer and support . It was brave to [Strether]_82-strether to hear [him]_111-chad talk as if the line of wisdom [they]_{1705-two earnest persons} had struck out was to make things ravishing to [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} . No , if [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} compassed THAT , compassed the ravishment of [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} , [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} would be prodigious . It would be a beautiful plan if it succeeded , and it all came to the question of [Sarah]_126-sarah 's being really bribeable . The precedent of [his]_82-strether own case helped [Strether]_82-strether perhaps but little to consider [she]_126-sarah might prove so ; it being distinct that [her]_126-sarah character would rather make for every possible difference . This idea of [his]_82-strether own bribeability set [him]_82-strether apart for [himself]_82-strether ; with the further mark in fact that [his]_82-strether case was absolutely proved . [He]_82-strether liked always , where [Lambert Strether]_82-strether was concerned , to know the worst , and what [he]_82-strether now seemed to know was not only that [he]_82-strether was bribeable , but that [he]_82-strether had been effectually bribed . The only difficulty was that [he]_82-strether could n't quite have said with what . It was as if [he]_82-strether had sold [himself]_82-strether , but had n't somehow got the cash . That , however , was what , characteristically , WOULD happen to [him]_82-strether . It would naturally be [his]_82-strether kind of traffic . While [he]_82-strether thought of these things [he]_82-strether reminded [Chad]_111-chad of the truth [they]_1707-they must n't lose sight of - the truth that , with all deference to [her]_126-sarah susceptibility to new interests , [Sarah]_126-sarah would have come out with a high firm definite purpose . " [She]_126-sarah has n't come out , [you]_82-strether know , to be bamboozled . [We]_1707-they may all be ravishing - nothing perhaps can be more easy for [us]_1707-they ; but [she]_126-sarah has n't come out to be ravished . [She]_126-sarah has come out just simply to take [you]_82-strether [home]_2874-home . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh well , with [HER]_126-sarah [I]_111-chad 'll go , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad good - humouredly . " [I]_111-chad suppose [you]_82-strether 'll allow THAT . "_[111-chad] And then as for a minute [Strether]_82-strether said nothing : " Or is [your]_{259-his friend} idea that when [I]_82-strether 've seen [her]_126-sarah [I]_82-strether sha n't want to go ? "_{[82-strether]} As this question , however , again left [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} silent [he]_82-strether presently went on : " [My]_82-strether own idea at any rate is that [they]_4170-they shall have while [they]_4170-they 're [here]_3103-here the best sort of time . "_{[82-strether]} It was at this that [Strether]_82-strether spoke . " Ah there [you]_{259-his friend} are ! [I]_82-strether think if [you]_{259-his friend} really wanted to go - ! "_{[82-strether]} " Well ? "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad to bring it out . " Well , [you]_{259-his friend} would n't trouble about [our]_4172-our good time . [You]_{259-his friend} would n't care what sort of a time [we]_4172-our have . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad could always take in the easiest way in [the world]_{2804-the world} any ingenious suggestion . " [I]_111-chad see . But can [I]_111-chad help it ? [I]_111-chad 'm too decent . "_[111-chad] " Yes , [you]_111-chad 're too decent ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether heavily sighed . And [he]_82-strether felt for the moment as if it were the preposterous end of [his]_82-strether mission . [It]_1710-it ministered for the time to this temporary effect that [Chad]_111-chad made no rejoinder . But [he]_111-chad spoke again as [they]_1711-they came in sight of [the station]_{1297-the station} . " Do [you]_82-strether mean to introduce [her]_4173-her to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} ? "_[111-chad] As to this [Strether]_82-strether was ready . " No . "_[111-chad] " But have n't [you]_111-chad told [me]_111-chad [they]_4174-they know about [her]_4173-her ? "_[111-chad] " [I]_111-chad think [I]_111-chad 've told [you]_111-chad [[your]_111-chad mother]_{1043-your mother} knows . "_[111-chad] " And wo n't [she]_4173-her have told [Sally]_126-sarah ? "_[111-chad] " That 's one of the things [I]_111-chad want to see . "_[111-chad] " And if [you]_111-chad find [she]_4173-her HAS - ? "_[111-chad] " Will [I]_111-chad then , [you]_111-chad mean , bring [them]_4174-they together ? "_[111-chad] " Yes , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad with [his]_111-chad pleasant promptness : " to show [her]_4173-her there 's nothing in it . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " [I]_82-strether do n't know that [I]_82-strether care very much what [she]_4173-her may think there 's in it . "_{[82-strether]} " Not if it represents what [Mother]_141-mother thinks ? "_[111-chad] " [Ah]_4176-ah what DOES [[your]_82-strether mother]_{1043-your mother} think ? "_[111-chad] There was in this some sound of bewilderment . But [they]_1713-they were just driving up , and help , of a sort , might after all be quite at hand . " Is n't that , [[my]_111-chad dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , what [we]_1713-they 're both just going to make out ? "_[111-chad] [II Strether]_82-strether quitted [the station]_{1297-the station} half an hour later in different company . [Chad]_111-chad had taken charge , for the journey to [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} , of [Sarah]_126-sarah , [Mamie]_97-mamie , [the maid]_{1716-the maid} and the luggage , all spaciously installed and conveyed ; and it was only after [the four]_{1717-the four} had rolled away that [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} got into [a cab]_{1719-a cab} with [Jim]_118-jim . A strange new feeling had come over [Strether]_82-strether , in consequence of which [his]_82-strether spirits had risen ; it was as if what had occurred on the alighting of [[his]_82-strether critics]_{3262-his critics} had been something other than [his]_82-strether fear , though [his]_82-strether fear had vet not been of an instant scene of violence . [His]_82-strether impression had been nothing but what was inevitable - [he]_82-strether said that to [himself]_82-strether ; yet relief and reassurance had softly dropped upon [him]_82-strether . Nothing could be so odd as to be indebted for these things to the look of faces and the sound of voices that had been with [him]_82-strether to satiety , as [he]_82-strether might have said , for years ; but [he]_82-strether now knew , all the same , how uneasy [he]_82-strether had felt ; that was brought home to [him]_82-strether by [his]_82-strether present sense of a respite . It had come moreover in the flash of an eye , it had come in the smile with which [Sarah]_126-sarah , whom , at the window of [[her]_126-sarah compartment]_{1721-her compartment} , [they]_1722-they had effusively greeted from [the platform]_{1723-the platform} , rustled down to [them]_1722-they a moment later , fresh and handsome from [her]_126-sarah cool June progress through [the charming land]_{1724-the charming land} . It was only a sign , but enough : [she]_126-sarah was going to be gracious and unallusive , [she]_126-sarah was going to play the larger game - which was still more apparent , after [she]_126-sarah had emerged from [Chad]_111-chad 's arms , in [her]_126-sarah direct greeting to [the valued friend of [[her]_126-sarah family]_{1726-her family}]_{1725-the valued friend of her family} . [Strether]_82-strether WAS then as much as ever [the valued friend of [[her]_126-sarah family]_{1726-her family}]_{1725-the valued friend of her family} , it was something [he]_82-strether could at all events go on with ; and the manner of [his]_82-strether response to it expressed even for [himself]_82-strether how little [he]_82-strether had enjoyed the prospect of ceasing to figure in that likeness . [He]_82-strether had always seen [Sarah]_126-sarah gracious - had in fact rarely seen [her]_126-sarah shy or dry , [her]_126-sarah marked thin - lipped smile , intense without brightness and as prompt to act as the scrape of a safety - match ; the protrusion of [her]_126-sarah rather remarkably long chin , which in [her]_126-sarah case represented invitation and urbanity , and not , as in most others , pugnacity and defiance ; the penetration of [her]_126-sarah voice to a distance , the general encouragement and approval of [her]_126-sarah manner , were all elements with which intercourse had made [him]_82-strether familiar , but which [he]_82-strether noted today almost as if [she]_126-sarah had been [a new acquaintance]_{1729-a new acquaintance} . This first glimpse of [her]_126-sarah had given a brief but vivid accent to [her]_126-sarah resemblance to [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} ; [he]_82-strether could have taken [her]_126-sarah for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} while [she]_126-sarah met [his]_82-strether eyes as [the train]_{1290-the train} rolled into [the station]_{1297-the station} . It was an impression that quickly dropped ; [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} was much handsomer , and while [Sarah]_126-sarah inclined to the massive [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} had , at an age , still the girdle of [a maid]_{1734-a maid} ; also [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's chin was rather short , than long , and [her]_126-sarah smile , by good fortune , much more , oh ever so much more , mercifully vague . [Strether]_82-strether had seen [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} reserved ; [he]_82-strether had literally heard [her]_126-sarah silent , though [he]_82-strether had never known [her]_126-sarah unpleasant . It was the case with [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} that [he]_82-strether had known [HER]_126-sarah unpleasant , even though [he]_82-strether had never known [her]_126-sarah not affable . [She]_126-sarah had forms of affability that were in a high degree assertive ; nothing for instance had ever been more striking than that [she]_126-sarah was affable to [Jim]_118-jim . What had told in any case at the window of [the train]_{1290-the train} was [her]_126-sarah high clear forehead , that forehead which [[her]_126-sarah friends]_{3598-her friends} , for some reason , always thought of as a " brow "_[126-sarah] ; the long reach of [her]_126-sarah eyes - it came out at this juncture in such a manner as to remind [him]_82-strether , oddly enough , also of that of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's ; and the unusual gloss of [her]_126-sarah dark hair , dressed and hatted , after [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} 's refined example , with such an avoidance of extremes that it was always spoken of at [Woollett]_87-woollett as " [their]_{3598-her friends} own . "_{[87-woollett]} Though this analogy dropped as soon as [she]_126-sarah was on [the platform]_{1723-the platform} it had lasted long enough to make [him]_82-strether feel all the advantage , as it were , of [his]_82-strether relief . [The woman at [home]_2874-home]_{1740-the woman at home} , [the woman to whom [he]_82-strether was attached]_{1742-the woman to whom he was attached} , was before [him]_82-strether just long enough to give [him]_82-strether again the measure of the wretchedness , in fact really of the shame , of [their]_1743-their having to recognise the formation , between [them]_1743-their , of a ' split . " [He]_82-strether had taken this measure in solitude and meditation : but the catastrophe , as [Sarah]_126-sarah steamed up , looked for its seconds unprecedentedly dreadful - or proved , more exactly , altogether unthinkable ; so that [his]_82-strether finding something free and familiar to respond to brought with it an instant renewal of [his]_82-strether loyalty . [He]_82-strether had suddenly sounded the whole depth , had gasped at what [he]_82-strether might have lost . Well , [he]_82-strether could now , for the quarter of an hour of [their]_1743-their detention hover about [the travellers]_{4179-the travellers} as soothingly as if [their]_1743-their direct message to [him]_82-strether was that [he]_82-strether had lost nothing . [He]_82-strether was n't going to have [Sarah]_126-sarah write to [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} that night that [he]_82-strether was in any way altered or strange . There had been times enough for a month when it had seemed to [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether was strange , that [he]_82-strether was altered , in every way ; but that was a matter for [himself]_82-strether ; [he]_82-strether knew at least whose business it was not ; it was not at all events such a circumstance as [Sarah]_126-sarah 's own unaided lights would help [her]_126-sarah to . Even if [she]_126-sarah had come out to flash those lights more than yet appeared [she]_126-sarah would n't make much headway against mere pleasantness . [He]_82-strether counted on being able to be merely pleasant to the end , and if only from incapacity moreover to formulate anything different . [He]_82-strether could n't even formulate to [himself]_82-strether [his]_82-strether being changed and queer ; it had taken place , the process , somewhere deep down ; [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie had caught glimpses of it ; but how was [he]_82-strether to fish it up , even if [he]_82-strether desired , for [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ? This was then the spirit in which [he]_82-strether hovered , and with the easier throb in it much indebted furthermore to the impression of high and established adequacy as [a pretty girl]_{4181-a pretty girl} promptly produced in [him]_82-strether by [Mamie]_97-mamie . [He]_82-strether had wondered vaguely - turning over many things in the fidget of [his]_82-strether thoughts - if [Mamie]_97-mamie WERE as pretty as [Woollett]_87-woollett published [her]_97-mamie ; as to which issue seeing [her]_97-mamie now again was to be so swept away by [Woollett]_87-woollett 's opinion that this consequence really let loose for the imagination an avalanche of others . There were positively five minutes in which the last word seemed of necessity to abide with [a Woollett]_87-woollett represented by [a Mamie]_97-mamie . This was the sort of truth [the place]_{2826-the place} itself would feel ; it would send [her]_97-mamie forth in confidence ; it would point to [her]_97-mamie with triumph ; it would take its stand on [her]_97-mamie with assurance ; it would be conscious of no requirements [she]_97-mamie did n't meet , of no question [she]_97-mamie could n't answer . Well , it was right , [Strether]_82-strether slipped smoothly enough into the cheerfulness of saying : granted that a community MIGHT be best represented by [a young lady of twenty - two]_{4183-a young lady of twenty - two} , [Mamie]_97-mamie perfectly played the part , played it as if [she]_97-mamie were used to it , and looked and spoke and dressed the character . [He]_82-strether wondered if [she]_97-mamie might n't , in the high light of [Paris]_1-paris , a cool full studio - light , becoming yet treacherous , show as too conscious of these matters ; but the next moment [he]_82-strether felt satisfied that [her]_97-mamie consciousness was after all empty for its size , rather too simple than too mixed , and that the kind way with [her]_97-mamie would be not to take many things out of it , but to put as many as possible in . [She]_97-mamie was robust and conveniently tall ; just a trifle too bloodlessly fair perhaps , but with a pleasant public familiar radiance that affirmed [her]_97-mamie vitality . [She]_97-mamie might have been "_[0-i] receiving " for [Woollett]_87-woollett , wherever [she]_97-mamie found [herself]_97-mamie , and there was something in [her]_97-mamie manner , [her]_97-mamie tone , [her]_97-mamie motion , [her]_97-mamie pretty blue eyes , [her]_97-mamie pretty perfect teeth and [her]_97-mamie very small , too small , nose , that immediately placed [her]_97-mamie , to the fancy , between the windows of [a hot bright room in which voices were high - up at that end to which [people were brought to be "_[1744-you] presented]_{4185-people were brought to be " presented}]_{4184-a hot bright room in which voices were high - up at that end to which people were brought to be " presented} . " [They]_4186-they were there to congratulate , these images , and [Strether]_82-strether 's renewed vision , on this hint , completed the idea . What [Mamie]_97-mamie was like was [the happy bride]_{4187-the happy bride} , [the bride]_{4188-the bride} after [the church]_{3988-the church} and just before going away . [She]_97-mamie was n't [the mere maiden]_{4190-the mere maiden} , and yet was only as much married as [that quantity]_{4191-that quantity} came to . [She]_97-mamie was in the brilliant acclaimed festal stage . Well , might it last [her]_97-mamie long ! [Strether]_82-strether rejoiced in these things for [Chad]_111-chad , who was all genial attention to the needs of [[his]_82-strether friends]_{3952-his friends} , besides having arranged that [[his]_82-strether servant]_{4193-his servant} should reinforce [him]_82-strether ; [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} were certainly pleasant to see , and [Mamie]_97-mamie would be at any time and anywhere pleasant to exhibit . [She]_97-mamie would look extraordinarily like [[his]_82-strether young wife]_{4195-his young wife} - [the wife of a honeymoon]_{4196-the wife of a honeymoon} , should [he]_82-strether go about with [her]_97-mamie ; but that was [his]_82-strether own affair - or perhaps it was [hers]_97-mamie ; it was at any rate something [she]_97-mamie could n't help . [Strether]_82-strether remembered how [he]_82-strether had seen [him]_82-strether come up with [Jeanne de Vionnet]_150-jeanne in [[Gloriani]_84-gloriani 's garden]_{2783-gloriani 's garden} , and the fancy [he]_82-strether had had about that - the fancy obscured now , thickly overlaid with others ; the recollection was during these minutes [his]_82-strether only note of trouble . [He]_82-strether had often , in spite of [himself]_82-strether , wondered if [Chad]_111-chad but too probably were not with [Jeanne]_150-jeanne the object of a still and shaded flame . It was on the cards that [the child]_{759-the child} MIGHT be tremulously in love , and this conviction now flickered up not a bit the less for [his]_82-strether disliking to think of it , for its being , in a complicated situation , a complication the more , and for something indescribable in [Mamie]_97-mamie , something at all events straightway lent [her]_97-mamie by [his]_82-strether own mind , something that gave [her]_97-mamie value , gave [her]_97-mamie intensity and purpose , as the symbol of an opposition . [Little Jeanne]_150-jeanne was n't really at all in question - how COULD [she]_150-jeanne be ? - yet from the moment [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} had shaken [her]_{175-miss pocock} skirts on [the platform]_{1723-the platform} , touched up the immense bows of [her]_{175-miss pocock} hat and settled properly over [her]_{175-miss pocock} shoulder the strap of [her]_{175-miss pocock} morocco - and - gilt travelling - satchel , from that moment [little Jeanne]_150-jeanne was opposed . It was in the cab with [Jim]_118-jim that impressions really crowded on [Strether]_82-strether , giving [him]_82-strether the strangest sense of length of absence from [people among whom [he]_82-strether had lived for years]_{4200-people among whom he had lived for years} . Having [them]_{4200-people among whom he had lived for years} thus come out to [him]_82-strether was as if [he]_82-strether had returned to find [them]_{4200-people among whom he had lived for years} : and the droll promptitude of [Jim]_118-jim 's mental reaction threw [his]_82-strether own initiation far back into the past . Whoever might or might n't be suited by what was going on among [them]_{4200-people among whom he had lived for years} , [Jim]_118-jim , for one , would certainly be : [his]_118-jim instant recognition - frank and whimsical - of what the affair was for [HIM]_118-jim gave [Strether]_82-strether a glow of pleasure . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i say , [you]_1744-you know , this IS about [my]_0-i shape , and if it had n't been for [YOU]_1744-you - ! " so [he]_82-strether broke out as [the charming streets]_{4201-the charming streets} met [his]_82-strether healthy appetite ; and [he]_82-strether wound up , after an expressive nudge , with a clap of [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's knee and an "_[1744-you] Oh [you]_1744-you , [you]_1744-you - [you]_1744-you ARE doing it ! " that was charged with rich meaning . [Strether]_82-strether felt in it the intention of homage , but , with a curiosity otherwise occupied , postponed taking it up . What [he]_82-strether was asking [himself]_82-strether for the time was how [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah , in the opportunity already given [her]_126-sarah , had judged [[her]_126-sarah brother]_{4203-her brother} - from whom [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , as [they]_4204-they finally , at [the station]_{1297-the station} , separated for [their]_4204-they different conveyances , had had a look into which [he]_82-strether could read more than one message . However [Sarah]_126-sarah was judging [[her]_126-sarah brother]_{4203-her brother} , [Chad]_111-chad 's conclusion about [[his]_111-chad sister]_{4135-his sister} , and about [[her]_126-sarah husband]_{460-her husband} and [[her]_126-sarah husband 's sister]_{4209-her husband 's sister} , was at the least on the way not to fail of confidence . [Strether]_82-strether felt the confidence , and that , as the look between [them]_4204-they was an exchange , what [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether gave back was relatively vague . This comparison of notes however could wait ; everything struck [him]_82-strether as depending on the effect produced by [Chad]_111-chad . Neither [Sarah]_126-sarah nor [Mamie]_97-mamie had in any way , at [the station]_{1297-the station} - where [they]_4204-they had had after all ample time - broken out about it ; which , to make up for this , was what [[our]_4211-our friend]_{235-our friend} had expected of [Jim]_118-jim as soon as [they]_4204-they should find [themselves]_4204-they together . It was queer to [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether had that noiseless brush with [Chad]_111-chad ; an ironic intelligence with [this youth]_{4213-this youth} on the subject of [[his]_82-strether relatives]_{1684-his relatives} , an intelligence carried on under [their]_{1684-his relatives} nose and , as might be said , at [their]_{1684-his relatives} expense - such a matter marked again for [him]_82-strether strongly the number of stages [he]_82-strether had come ; albeit that if the number seemed great the time taken for the final one was but the turn of a hand . [He]_82-strether had before this had many moments of wondering if [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether were n't perhaps changed even as [Chad]_111-chad was changed . Only what in [Chad]_111-chad was conspicuous improvement - well , [he]_82-strether had no name ready for the working , in [his]_82-strether own organism , of [his]_82-strether own more timid dose . [He]_82-strether should have to see first what this action would amount to . And for [his]_82-strether occult passage with [the young man]_{2833-the young man} , after all , the directness of it had no greater oddity than the fact that [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's way with [the three travellers]_{4217-the three travellers} should have been so happy a manifestation . [Strether]_82-strether liked [him]_82-strether for it , on the spot , as [he]_82-strether had n't yet liked [him]_82-strether ; it affected [him]_82-strether while it lasted as [he]_82-strether might have been affected by some light pleasant perfect work of art : to that degree that [he]_82-strether wondered if [they]_{4217-the three travellers} were really worthy of it , took it in and did it justice ; to that degree that it would have been scarce a miracle if , there in [the luggage - room]_{4218-the luggage - room} , while [they]_{4217-the three travellers} waited for [their]_{4217-the three travellers} things , [Sarah]_126-sarah had pulled [his]_82-strether sleeve and drawn [him]_82-strether aside . "_[1744-you] [You]_1745-you 're right ; [we]_1746-we have n't quite known what [you]_1745-you mean , [Mother]_141-mother and [I]_0-i , but now [we]_1746-we see . [Chad]_111-chad 's magnificent ; what can [one]_2797-one want more ? If THIS is the kind of thing - ! " On which [they]_{4217-the three travellers} might , as it were , have embraced and begun to work together . Ah how much , as it was , for all [her]_126-sarah bridling brightness - which was merely general and noticed nothing - WOULD [they]_{4217-the three travellers} work together ? [Strether]_82-strether knew [he]_82-strether was unreasonable ; [he]_82-strether set it down to [his]_82-strether being nervous : [people]_2824-people could n't notice everything and speak of everything in a quarter of an hour . Possibly , no doubt , also , [he]_82-strether made too much of [Chad]_111-chad 's display . Yet , none the less , when , at the end of five minutes , in [the cab]_{4220-the cab} , [Jim Pocock]_118-jim had said nothing either - had n't said , that is , what [Strether]_82-strether wanted , though [he]_82-strether had said much else - it all suddenly bounced back to [their]_{4217-the three travellers} being either stupid or wilful . It was more probably on the whole the former ; so that that would be the drawback of the bridling brightness . Yes , [they]_{4217-the three travellers} would bridle and be bright ; [they]_{4217-the three travellers} would make the best of what was before [them]_{4217-the three travellers} , but [their]_{4217-the three travellers} observation would fail ; it would be beyond [them]_{4217-the three travellers} ; [they]_{4217-the three travellers} simply would n't understand . Of what use would it be then that [they]_{4217-the three travellers} had come ? - if [they]_{4217-the three travellers} were n't to be intelligent up to THAT point : unless indeed [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether were utterly deluded and extravagant ? Was [he]_82-strether , on this question of [Chad]_111-chad 's improvement , fantastic and away from the truth ? Did [he]_82-strether live in [a false world]_{4221-a false world} , [a world that had grown simply to suit [him]_82-strether]_{4222-a world that had grown simply to suit him} , and was [his]_82-strether present slight irritation - in the face now of [Jim]_118-jim 's silence in particular - but the alarm of the vain thing menaced by the touch of the real ? Was this contribution of the real possibly the mission of [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} ? - had [they]_{4217-the three travellers} come to make the work of observation , as [HE]_82-strether had practised observation , crack and crumble , and to reduce [Chad]_111-chad to the plain terms in which [honest minds]_{4223-honest minds} could deal with [him]_111-chad ? Had [they]_{4217-the three travellers} come in short to be sane where [Strether]_82-strether was destined to feel that [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had only been silly ? [He]_82-strether glanced at such a contingency , but it failed to hold [him]_82-strether long when once [he]_82-strether had reflected that [he]_82-strether would have been silly , in this case , with [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , with [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and [little Jeanne]_150-jeanne , with [Lambert Strether]_82-strether , in fine , and above all with [Chad Newsome]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad . Would n't it be found to have made more for reality to be silly with [these persons]_{4224-these persons} than sane with [Sarah]_126-sarah and [Jim]_118-jim ? [Jim]_118-jim in fact , [he]_118-jim presently made up [his]_118-jim mind , was individually out of it ; [Jim]_118-jim did n't care ; [Jim]_118-jim had n't come out either for [Chad]_111-chad or for [him]_111-chad ; [Jim]_118-jim in short left the moral side to [Sally]_126-sarah and indeed simply availed [himself]_118-jim now , for the sense of recreation , of the fact that [he]_118-jim left almost everything to [Sally]_126-sarah . [He]_118-jim was nothing compared to [Sally]_126-sarah , and not so much by reason of [Sally]_126-sarah 's temper and will as by that of [her]_126-sarah more developed type and greater acquaintance with [the world]_{2804-the world} . [He]_118-jim quite frankly and serenely confessed , as [he]_118-jim sat there with [Strether]_82-strether , that [he]_118-jim felt [his]_118-jim type hang far in the rear of [[his]_118-jim wife]_{458-his wife} 's and still further , if possible , in the rear of [[his]_118-jim sister]_{4135-his sister} 's . [Their]_4228-their types , [he]_118-jim well knew , were recognised and acclaimed ; whereas [the most a leading Woollett business - man]_{4229-the most a leading woollett business - man} could hope to achieve socially , and for that matter industrially , was a certain freedom to play into this general glamour . The impression [he]_118-jim made on [[our]_4230-our friend]_{235-our friend} was another of the things that marked [[[our]_4230-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's road]_{4233-our friend 's road} . It was a strange impression , especially as so soon produced ; [Strether]_82-strether had received it , [he]_118-jim judged , all in the twenty minutes ; it struck [him]_118-jim at least as but in a minor degree the work of the long Woollett years . [Pocock]_126-sarah was normally and consentingly though not quite wittingly out of the question . It was despite [his]_118-jim being normal ; it was despite [his]_118-jim being cheerful ; it was despite [his]_118-jim being [a leading Woollett business - man]_{4234-a leading woollett business - man} ; and the determination of [his]_118-jim fate left [him]_118-jim thus perfectly usual - as everything else about it was clearly , to [his]_118-jim sense , not less so . [He]_118-jim seemed to say that there was a whole side of life on which the perfectly usual WAS for [leading Woollett business - men]_{4235-leading woollett business - men} to be out of the question . [He]_118-jim made no more of it than that , and [Strether]_82-strether , so far as [Jim]_118-jim was concerned , desired to make no more . Only [Strether]_82-strether 's imagination , as always , worked , and [he]_118-jim asked [himself]_118-jim if this side of life were not somehow connected , for [those who figured on it with the fact of marriage]_{4236-those who figured on it with the fact of marriage} . Would [HIS]_118-jim relation to it , had [he]_118-jim married ten years before , have become now the same as [Pocock]_118-jim 's ? Might it even become the same should [he]_118-jim marry in a few months ? Should [he]_118-jim ever know [himself]_118-jim as much out of the question for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} as [Jim]_118-jim knew [himself]_118-jim - in a dim way - for [Mrs. Jim]_{116-mrs. jim} ? To turn [his]_118-jim eyes in that direction was to be personally reassured ; [he]_118-jim was different from [Pocock]_118-jim ; [he]_118-jim had affirmed [himself]_118-jim differently and was held after all in higher esteem . What [none the less]_{4237-none the less} came [home]_2874-home to [him]_118-jim , however , at this hour , was that [the society over there]_{4239-the society over there} , that of which [Sarah]_126-sarah and [Mamie]_97-mamie - and , in a more eminent way , [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} - were specimens , was essentially a society of [women]_350-women , and that poor [Jim]_118-jim was n't in it . [He]_118-jim [himself]_118-jim Lambert [Strether]_82-strether , WAS as yet in some degree - which was an odd situation for [a man]_{572-a man} ; but it kept coming back to [him]_118-jim in a whimsical way that [he]_118-jim should perhaps find [his]_118-jim marriage had cost [him]_118-jim [his]_118-jim place . This occasion indeed , whatever that fancy represented , was not a time of sensible exclusion for [Jim]_118-jim , who was in a state of manifest response to the charm of [his]_118-jim adventure . Small and fat and constantly facetious , straw - coloured and destitute of marks , [he]_118-jim would have been practically indistinguishable had n't [his]_118-jim constant preference for light - grey clothes , for white hats , for very big cigars and very little stories , done what it could for [his]_118-jim identity . There were signs in [him]_118-jim , though none of them plaintive , of always paying for [others]_2890-others ; and the principal one perhaps was just this failure of type . It was with this that [he]_118-jim paid , rather than with fatigue or waste ; and also doubtless a little with the effort of humour - never irrelevant to the conditions , to the relations , with which [he]_118-jim was acquainted . [He]_118-jim gurgled [his]_118-jim joy as [they]_4243-they rolled through [the happy streets]_{4244-the happy streets} ; [he]_118-jim declared that [his]_118-jim trip was a regular windfall , and that [he]_118-jim was n't [there]_311-there , [he]_118-jim was eager to remark , to hang back from anything : [he]_118-jim did n't know quite what [Sally]_126-sarah had come for , but [HE]_118-jim had come for a good time . [Strether]_82-strether indulged [him]_118-jim even while wondering if what [Sally]_126-sarah wanted [[her]_126-sarah brother]_{4203-her brother} to go back for was to become like [[her]_126-sarah husband]_{460-her husband} . [He]_118-jim trusted that a good time was to be , out and out , the programme for all of [them]_4243-they ; and [he]_118-jim assented liberally to [Jim]_118-jim 's proposal that , disencumbered and irresponsible - [his]_118-jim things were in the omnibus with those of [the others]_{544-the others} - [they]_4243-they should take a further turn round before going to [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} . It was n't for [HIM]_118-jim to tackle [Chad]_111-chad - it was [Sally]_126-sarah 's job ; and as it would be like [her]_126-sarah , [he]_118-jim felt , to open fire on the spot , it would n't be amiss of [them]_4243-they to hold off and give [her]_126-sarah time . [Strether]_82-strether , on [his]_82-strether side , only asked to give [her]_126-sarah time ; so [he]_82-strether jogged with [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} along [boulevards]_{4251-boulevards} and [avenues]_4252-avenues , trying to extract from meagre material some forecast of [his]_82-strether catastrophe . [He]_82-strether was quick enough to see that [Jim Pocock]_118-jim declined judgement , had hovered quite round the outer edge of discussion and anxiety , leaving all analysis of [their]_4243-they question to [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} alone and now only feeling [his]_82-strether way toward some small droll cynicism . It broke out afresh , the cynicism - it had already shown a flicker - in a but slightly deferred : "_[0-i] Well , hanged if [I]_0-i would if [I]_0-i were [he]_1748-he ! " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i mean [you]_0-i would n't in [[Chad]_111-chad 's place]_{1749-chad 's place} - ? " "_[0-i] Give up this to go back and boss the advertising ! " [Poor Jim]_{176-poor jim} , with [his]_{176-poor jim} arms folded and [his]_{176-poor jim} little legs out in the open fiacre , drank in the sparkling Paris noon and carried [his]_{176-poor jim} eyes from one side of [their]_4254-their vista to the other . "_[0-i] Why [I]_0-i want to come right out and live [here]_3103-here [myself]_0-i . And [I]_0-i want to live while [I]_0-i AM [here]_3103-here too . [I]_0-i feel with [YOU]_1752-you - oh [you]_1752-you 've been grand , [old man]_{1753-old man} , and [I]_0-i 've twigged - that it ai n't right to worry [Chad]_111-chad . [I]_0-i do n't mean to persecute [him]_111-chad ; [I]_0-i could n't in conscience . It 's thanks to [you]_1752-you at any rate that [I]_0-i 'm [here]_3103-here , and [I]_0-i 'm sure [I]_0-i 'm much obliged . [You]_1752-you 're [a lovely pair]_{1755-a lovely pair} . " There were things in this speech that [Strether]_82-strether let pass for the time . "_{[1755-a lovely pair]} Do n't [you]_1752-you then think it important the advertising should be thoroughly taken in hand ? [Chad]_111-chad WILL be , so far as capacity is concerned , " [he]_82-strether went on , "_[111-chad] [the man to do it]_{1756-the man to do it} . " "_[111-chad] Where did [he]_111-chad get [his]_111-chad capacity , " [Jim]_{176-poor jim} asked , "_[111-chad] over here ? " "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad did n't get it over here , and the wonderful thing is that over here [he]_111-chad has n't inevitably lost it . [He]_111-chad has a natural turn for business , an extraordinary head . [He]_111-chad comes by that , " [Strether]_82-strether explained , "_[111-chad] honestly enough . [He]_111-chad 's in that respect [[[his]_111-chad father]_{616-his father} 's son]_{1758-his father 's son} , and also - for [she]_1759-she 's wonderful in [her]_1759-she way too - [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} 's . [He]_111-chad has other tastes and other tendencies ; but [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} and [[your]_1761-you wife]_{1762-your wife} are quite right about [his]_111-chad having that . [He]_111-chad 's very remarkable . " "_[111-chad] Well , [I]_0-i guess [he]_111-chad is ! " [Jim Pocock]_118-jim comfortably sighed . "_[111-chad] But if [you]_1761-you 've believed so in [his]_111-chad making [us]_1763-us hum , why have [you]_1761-you so prolonged the discussion ? Do n't [you]_1761-you know [we]_1763-us 've been quite anxious about [you]_1761-you ? " These questions were not informed with earnestness , but [Strether]_82-strether saw [he]_82-strether must none the less make a choice and take a line . "_[1761-you] Because , [you]_1761-you see , [I]_0-i 've greatly liked it . [I]_0-i 've liked [my]_0-i Paris , [I]_0-i dare say [I]_0-i 've liked it too much . " "_[0-i] Oh [[you]_1761-you old wretch]_{1764-you old wretch} ! " [Jim gaily]_118-jim exclaimed . "_[1761-you] But nothing 's concluded , " [Strether]_82-strether went on . "_[1761-you] The case is more complex than it looks from [Woollett]_87-woollett . " "_{[87-woollett]} Oh well , it looks bad enough from [Woollett]_87-woollett ! " [Jim]_118-jim declared . "_{[87-woollett]} Even after all [I]_0-i 've written ? " [Jim]_118-jim bethought [himself]_118-jim . "_[0-i] Is n't it what [you]_1761-you 've written that has made [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} pack [us]_1765-us off ? That at least and [Chad]_111-chad 's not turning up ? " [Strether]_82-strether made a reflexion of [his]_82-strether own . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see . That [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} should do something was , no doubt , inevitable , and [[your]_1761-you wife]_{1762-your wife} has therefore of course come out to act . " "_{[1762-your wife]} Oh yes , " [Jim]_118-jim concurred - "_{[1762-your wife]} to act . But [Sally]_126-sarah comes out to act , [you]_1761-you know , " [he]_118-jim lucidly added , "_[126-sarah] every time [she]_126-sarah leaves [the house]_{654-the house} . [She]_126-sarah never comes out but [she]_126-sarah DOES act . [She]_126-sarah 's acting moreover now for [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} , and that fixes the scale . " Then [he]_118-jim wound up , opening all [his]_118-jim senses to it , with a renewed embrace of [pleasant Paris]_1-paris . "_[126-sarah] [We]_1769-we have n't all the same at [Woollett]_87-woollett got anything like this . " [Strether]_82-strether continued to consider . "_{[87-woollett]} [I]_0-i 'm bound to say for [you]_1761-you all that [you]_1761-you strike [me]_0-i as having arrived in a very mild and reasonable frame of mind . [You]_1761-you do n't show [your]_1761-you claws . [I]_0-i felt just now in [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} no symptom of that . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} is n't fierce , " [he]_82-strether went on . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [I]_0-i 'm such [a nervous idiot]_{1770-a nervous idiot} that [I]_0-i thought [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} might be . " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} Oh do n't [you]_0-i know [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} well enough , " [Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} asked , "_[0-i] to have noticed that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} never gives [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} away , any more than [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} mother]_{3347-her mother} ever does ? [They]_1772-they ai n't fierce , either of 'em ; [they]_1772-they let [you]_0-i come quite close . [They]_1772-they wear [their]_1772-they fur the smooth side out - the warm side in . Do [you]_0-i know what [they]_1772-they are ? " [Jim]_118-jim pursued as [he]_118-jim looked about [him]_118-jim , giving the question , as [Strether]_82-strether felt , but half [his]_118-jim care - "_[0-i] do [you]_0-i know what [they]_1772-they are ? [They]_1772-they 're about as intense as [they]_1772-they can live . " "_[1772-they] Yes " - and [Strether]_82-strether 's concurrence had a positive precipitation ; "_[1772-they] [they]_1772-they 're about as intense as [they]_1772-they can live . " "_[1772-they] [They]_1772-they do n't lash about and shake the cage , " said [Jim]_118-jim , who seemed pleased with [his]_118-jim analogy ; "_[1772-they] and it 's at feeding - time that [they]_1772-they 're quietest . But [they]_1772-they always get there . " "_[1772-they] [They]_1772-they do indeed - [they]_1772-they always get there ! " [Strether]_82-strether replied with a laugh that justified [his]_82-strether confession of nervousness . [He]_82-strether disliked to be talking sincerely of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} with [Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ; [he]_82-strether could have talked insincerely . But there was something [he]_82-strether wanted to know , a need created in [him]_82-strether by [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} recent intermission , by [his]_82-strether having given from the first so much , as now more than ever appeared to [him]_82-strether , and got so little . It was as if a queer truth in [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's metaphor had rolled over [him]_82-strether with a rush . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} HAD been quiet at feeding - time ; [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had fed , and [Sarah]_126-sarah had fed with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , out of the big bowl of all [his]_82-strether recent free communication , [his]_82-strether vividness and pleasantness , [his]_82-strether ingenuity and even [his]_82-strether eloquence , while the current of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} response had steadily run thin . [Jim]_118-jim meanwhile however , it was true , slipped characteristically into shallowness from the moment [he]_118-jim ceased to speak out of the experience of [a husband]_{4256-a husband} . "_[1772-they] But of course [Chad]_111-chad has now the advantage of being there before [her]_1773-her . If [he]_111-chad does n't work that for all it 's worth - ! " [He]_118-jim sighed with contingent pity at [[his]_118-jim brother - in - law]_{4257-his brother - in - law} 's possible want of resource . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad has worked it on [YOU]_1774-you , pretty well , eh ? " and [he]_118-jim asked the next moment if there were anything new at the Varieties , which [he]_118-jim pronounced in the American manner . [They]_4258-they talked about the Varieties - [Strether]_82-strether confessing to a knowledge which produced again on [Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's part a play of innuendo as vague as a nursery - rhyme , yet as aggressive as an elbow in [his]_111-chad side ; and [they]_4258-they finished [their]_4258-they drive under the protection of easy themes . [Strether]_82-strether waited to the end , but still in vain , for any show that [Jim]_118-jim had seen [Chad]_111-chad as different ; and [he]_118-jim could scarce have explained the discouragement [he]_118-jim drew from the absence of this testimony . It was what [he]_118-jim had taken [his]_118-jim own stand on , so far as [he]_118-jim had taken a stand ; and if [they]_4258-they were all only going to see nothing [he]_118-jim had only wasted [his]_118-jim time . [He]_118-jim gave [[his]_118-jim friend]_{259-his friend} till the very last moment , till [they]_4258-they had come into sight of [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} ; and when [poor Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} only continued cheerful and envious and funny [he]_118-jim fairly grew to dislike [him]_118-jim , to feel [him]_118-jim extravagantly common . If [they]_4258-they were [ALL]_4261-all going to see nothing ! - [Strether]_82-strether knew , as this came back to [him]_82-strether , that [he]_82-strether was also letting [Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} represent for [him]_82-strether what [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} would n't see . [He]_82-strether went on disliking , in the light of [Jim]_118-jim 's commonness , to talk to [him]_118-jim about [that lady]_{3398-that lady} ; yet just before [the cab]_{4220-the cab} pulled up [he]_82-strether knew the extent of [his]_82-strether desire for the real word from [Woollett]_87-woollett . "_[111-chad] Has [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} at all given way - ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} ' Given way ' ? " - [Jim]_118-jim echoed it with the practical derision of [his]_118-jim sense of a long past . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Under the strain , [I]_0-i mean , of hope deferred , of disappointment repeated and thereby intensified . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Oh is [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} prostrate , [you]_0-i mean ? " - [he]_82-strether had [his]_82-strether categories in hand . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Why yes , [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's prostrate - just as [Sally]_126-sarah is . But [they]_1775-they 're never so lively , [you]_0-i know , as when [they]_1775-they 're prostrate . " "_[1775-they] Ah [Sarah]_126-sarah 's prostrate ? " [Strether]_82-strether vaguely murmured . "_[126-sarah] It 's when [they]_1775-they 're prostrate that [they]_1775-they most sit up . " "_[1775-they] And [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's sitting up ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} All night , [[my]_0-i boy]_{1081-my boy} - for [YOU]_{1081-my boy} ! " And [Jim]_118-jim fetched [him]_{1081-my boy} , with a vulgar little guffaw , a thrust that gave relief to the picture . But [he]_82-strether had got what [he]_82-strether wanted . [He]_82-strether felt on the spot that this WAS the real word from [Woollett]_87-woollett . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} So do n't [you]_{1081-my boy} go [home]_2874-home ! " [Jim]_118-jim added while [he]_82-strether alighted and while [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} , letting [him]_{1081-my boy} profusely pay [the cabman]_{4265-the cabman} , sat on in a momentary muse . [Strether]_82-strether wondered if that were the real word too . III As the door of [[Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's salon]_{4266-mrs. pocock 's salon} was pushed open for [him]_82-strether , the next day , well before noon , [he]_82-strether was reached by a voice with a charming sound that made [him]_82-strether just falter before crossing the threshold . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} was already on [the field]_{4267-the field} , and this gave the drama a quicker pace than [he]_82-strether felt it as yet - though [his]_82-strether suspense had increased - in the power of any act of [his]_82-strether own to do . [He]_82-strether had spent the previous evening with all [[his]_82-strether old friends]_{4268-his old friends} together yet [he]_82-strether would still have described [himself]_82-strether as quite in the dark in respect to a forecast of [their]_{4268-his old friends} influence on [his]_82-strether situation . It was strange now , none the less , that in the light of this unexpected note of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} presence [he]_82-strether felt [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} a part of that situation as [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had n't even yet been . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} was alone , [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether assuming , with [Sarah]_126-sarah , and there was a bearing in that - somehow beyond [his]_82-strether control - on [his]_82-strether personal fate . Yet [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was only saying something quite easy and independent - the thing [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had come , as [a good friend of [Chad]_111-chad 's]_{4269-a good friend of chad 's} , on purpose to say . "_{[1081-my boy]} There is n't anything at all - ? [I]_0-i should be so delighted . " It was clear enough , when [they]_{4268-his old friends} were there before [him]_82-strether , how [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had been received . [He]_82-strether saw this , as [Sarah]_126-sarah got up to greet [him]_82-strether , from something fairly hectic in [Sarah]_126-sarah 's face . [He]_82-strether saw furthermore that [they]_{4268-his old friends} were n't , as had first come to [him]_82-strether , alone together ; [he]_82-strether was at no loss as to the identity of the broad high back presented to [him]_82-strether in the embrasure of the window furthest from the door . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , whom [he]_82-strether had to - day not yet seen , whom [he]_82-strether only knew to have left [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} before [him]_82-strether , and who had taken part , the night previous , on [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's kind invitation , conveyed by [Chad]_111-chad , in the entertainment , informal but cordial , promptly offered by [that lady]_{3398-that lady} - [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had anticipated [him]_96-waymarsh even as [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had done , and , with [his]_96-waymarsh hands in [his]_96-waymarsh pockets and [his]_96-waymarsh attitude unaffected by [Strether]_82-strether 's entrance , was looking out , in marked detachment , at the [Rue de Rivoli]_{56-rue de rivoli} . [The latter]_{504-the latter} felt it in the air - it was immense how [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh could mark things - -that [he]_96-waymarsh had remained deeply dissociated from the overture to [[their]_4273-their hostess]_{3167-their hostess} that [we]_4275-we have recorded on [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's side . [He]_96-waymarsh had , conspicuously , tact , besides a stiff general view ; and this was why [he]_96-waymarsh had left [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} to struggle alone . [He]_96-waymarsh would outstay [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} ; [he]_96-waymarsh would unmistakeably wait ; to what had [he]_96-waymarsh been doomed for months past but waiting ? Therefore [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was to feel that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had [him]_96-waymarsh in reserve . What support [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} drew from this was still to be seen , for , although [Sarah]_126-sarah was vividly bright , [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had given [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} up for the moment to an ambiguous flushed formalism . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} had had to reckon more quickly than [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} expected ; but it concerned [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} first of all to signify that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was not to be taken unawares . [Strether]_82-strether arrived precisely in time for [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} showing it . "_[0-i] Oh [you]_1778-you 're too good ; but [I]_0-i do n't think [I]_0-i feel quite helpless . [I]_0-i have [[my]_0-i brother]_{1779-my brother} - and [these American friends]_{1780-these american friends} . And then [you]_1778-you know [I]_0-i 've been to [Paris]_1-paris . [I]_0-i KNOW [Paris]_1-paris , " said [Sally Pocock]_126-sarah in a tone that breathed a certain chill on [Strether]_82-strether 's heart . "_[0-i] Ah but [a woman]_{3063-a woman} , in this tiresome place where everything 's always changing , [a woman of good will]_{1782-a woman of good will} , " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} threw off , "_{[1782-a woman of good will]} can always help [a woman]_{3063-a woman} . [I]_0-i 'm sure [you]_1778-you ' know ' - but [we]_1784-we know perhaps different things . " [She]_0-i too , visibly , wished to make no mistake ; but it was a fear of a different order and more kept out of sight . [She]_0-i smiled in welcome at [Strether]_82-strether ; [she]_0-i greeted [him]_82-strether more familiarly than [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ; [she]_0-i put out [her]_0-i hand to [him]_82-strether without moving from [her]_0-i place ; and it came to [him]_82-strether in the course of a minute and in the oddest way that - yes , positively - [she]_0-i was giving [him]_82-strether over to ruin . [She]_0-i was all kindness and ease , but [she]_0-i could n't help so giving [him]_82-strether ; [she]_0-i was exquisite , and [her]_0-i being just as [she]_0-i was poured for [Sarah]_126-sarah a sudden rush of meaning into [his]_82-strether own equivocations . How could [she]_0-i know how [she]_0-i was hurting [him]_82-strether ? [She]_0-i wanted to show as simple and humble - in the degree compatible with operative charm ; but it was just this that seemed to put [him]_82-strether on [her]_0-i side . [She]_0-i struck [him]_82-strether as dressed , as arranged , as prepared infinitely to conciliate - with the very poetry of good taste in [her]_0-i view of the conditions of [her]_0-i early call . [She]_0-i was ready to advise about [dressmakers]_{4277-dressmakers} and [shops]_2968-shops ; [she]_0-i held [herself]_0-i wholly at the disposition of [[Chad]_111-chad 's family]_{4279-chad 's family} . [Strether]_82-strether noticed [her]_0-i card on the table - [her]_0-i coronet and [her]_0-i "_[1784-we] Comtesse " - and the imagination was sharp in [him]_82-strether of certain private adjustments in [Sarah]_126-sarah 's mind . [She]_0-i had never , [he]_82-strether was sure , sat with [a "_[1784-we] Comtesse "]_{4280-a " comtesse "} before , and such was the specimen of that class [he]_82-strether had been keeping to play on [her]_0-i . [She]_0-i had crossed [the sea]_{4281-the sea} very particularly for a look at [her]_0-i ; but [he]_82-strether read in [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's own eyes that this curiosity had n't been so successfully met as that [she]_0-i [herself]_0-i would n't now have more than ever need of [him]_82-strether . [She]_0-i looked much as [she]_0-i had looked to [him]_82-strether that morning at [Notre Dame]_{44-notre dame} ; [he]_82-strether noted in fact the suggestive sameness of [her]_0-i discreet and delicate dress . It seemed to speak - perhaps a little prematurely or too finely - of the sense in which [she]_0-i would help [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} with [the shops]_{212-the shops} . The way [that lady]_{3398-that lady} took [her]_0-i in , moreover , added depth to [his]_82-strether impression of what [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , by [their]_4284-their common wisdom , had escaped . [He]_82-strether winced as [he]_82-strether saw [himself]_82-strether but for that timely prudence ushering in [Maria]_97-mamie as [a guide]_{4285-a guide} and an example . There was however a touch of relief for [him]_82-strether in [his]_82-strether glimpse , so far as [he]_82-strether had got it , of [Sarah]_126-sarah 's line . [She]_126-sarah "_[1784-we] knew [Paris]_1-paris . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had , for that matter , lightly taken this up . "_[1784-we] Ah then [you]_1785-your 've a turn for that , an affinity that belongs to [[your]_1785-your family]_{1052-your family} . [[Your]_1785-your brother]_{1787-your brother} , though [his]_{1787-your brother} long experience makes a difference , [I]_0-i admit , has become one of [us]_1788-us in a marvellous way . " And [she]_126-sarah appealed to [Strether]_82-strether in the manner of [a woman who could always glide off with smoothness into another subject]_{4286-a woman who could always glide off with smoothness into another subject} . Was n't [HE]_82-strether struck with the way [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} had made [the place]_{2826-the place} [his]_82-strether own , and had n't [he]_82-strether been in a position to profit by [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's wondrous expertness ? [Strether]_82-strether felt the bravery , at the least , of [her]_126-sarah presenting [herself]_126-sarah so promptly to sound that note , and yet asked [himself]_82-strether what other note , after all , [she]_126-sarah COULD strike from the moment [she]_126-sarah presented [herself]_126-sarah at all . [She]_126-sarah could meet [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} only on the ground of the obvious , and what feature of [Chad]_111-chad 's situation was more eminent than the fact that [he]_82-strether had created for [himself]_82-strether a new set of circumstances ? Unless [she]_126-sarah hid [herself]_126-sarah altogether [she]_126-sarah could show but as one of these , an illustration of [his]_82-strether domiciled and indeed of [his]_82-strether confirmed condition . And the consciousness of all this in [her]_126-sarah charming eyes was so clear and fine that as [she]_126-sarah thus publicly drew [him]_82-strether into [[her]_126-sarah boat]_{3732-her boat} [she]_126-sarah produced in [him]_82-strether such a silent agitation as [he]_82-strether was not to fail afterwards to denounce as pusillanimous . "_[1789-ah] [Ah]_1789-ah do n't be so charming to [me]_0-i ! - for it makes [us]_1790-us intimate , and after all what IS between [us]_1790-us when [I]_0-i 've been so tremendously on [my]_0-i guard and have seen [you]_1791-you but half a dozen times ? " [He]_82-strether recognised once more the perverse law that so inveterately governed [his]_82-strether poor personal aspects : it would be exactly LIKE the way things always turned out for [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether should affect [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh as launched in a relation in which [he]_82-strether had really never been launched at all . [They]_4290-they were at this very moment - [they]_4290-they could only be - attributing to [him]_82-strether the full licence of it , and all by the operation of [her]_126-sarah own tone with [him]_82-strether ; whereas [his]_82-strether sole licence had been to cling with intensity to the brink , not to dip so much as a toe into the flood . But the flicker of [his]_82-strether fear on this occasion was not , as may be added , to repeat itself ; it sprang up , for its moment , only to die down and then go out for ever . To meet [[his]_82-strether fellow visitor]_{3112-his fellow visitor} 's invocation and , with [Sarah]_126-sarah 's brilliant eyes on [him]_82-strether , answer , WAS quite sufficiently to step into [[her]_126-sarah boat]_{3732-her boat} . During the rest of the time [her]_126-sarah visit lasted [he]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether proceed to each of [the proper offices]_{4293-the proper offices} , successively , for helping to keep the adventurous skiff afloat . It rocked beneath [him]_82-strether , but [he]_82-strether settled [himself]_82-strether in [his]_82-strether place . [He]_82-strether took up an oar and , since [he]_82-strether was to have the credit of pulling , pulled . "_[1789-ah] That will make it all the pleasanter if it so happens that [we]_1792-we DO meet , " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had further observed in reference to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's mention of [her]_126-sarah initiated state ; and [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had immediately added that , after all , [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} hostess]_{4294-her hostess} could n't be in need with the good offices of [Mr. Strether]_82-strether so close at hand . "_[1793-he] It 's [he]_1793-he , [I]_0-i gather , who has learnt to know [his]_1793-he [Paris]_1-paris , and to love it , better than [any one ever before]_{1794-any one ever before} in so short a time ; so that between [him]_1793-he and [[your]_1795-you brother]_{1787-your brother} , when it comes to the point , how can [you]_1795-you possibly want for good guidance ? The great thing , [Mr. Strether]_82-strether will show [you]_1795-you , " [she]_0-i smiled , "_{[82-strether]} is just to let [one]_2797-one 's self go . " "_{[82-strether]} Oh [I]_0-i 've not let [myself]_0-i go very far , " [Strether]_82-strether answered , feeling quite as if [he]_82-strether had been called upon to hint to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} how [Parisians]_{4295-parisians} could talk . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm only afraid of showing [I]_0-i have n't let [myself]_0-i go far enough . [I]_0-i 've taken a good deal of time , but [I]_0-i must quite have had the air of not budging from one spot . " [He]_82-strether looked at [Sarah]_126-sarah in a manner that [he]_82-strether thought [she]_126-sarah might take as engaging , and [he]_82-strether made , under [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's protection , as it were , [his]_82-strether first personal point . "_[0-i] What has really happened has been that , all the while , [I]_0-i 've done what [I]_0-i came out for . " Yet it only at first gave [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} a chance immediately to take [him]_82-strether up . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 've renewed acquaintance with [[your]_0-i friend]_{632-your friend} - [you]_0-i 've learnt to know [him]_{632-your friend} again . " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} spoke with such cheerful helpfulness that [they]_4296-they might , in a common cause , have been calling together and pledged to mutual aid . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , at this , as if [he]_82-strether had been in question , straightway turned from the window . "_{[632-your friend]} Oh yes , [Countess]_177-countess - [he]_{632-your friend} has renewed acquaintance with [ME]_0-i , and [he]_{632-your friend} HAS , [I]_0-i guess , learnt something about [me]_0-i , though [I]_0-i do n't know how much [he]_{632-your friend} has liked it . It 's for [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether to say whether [he]_82-strether has felt it justifies [his]_82-strether course . " "_{[82-strether]} Oh but [YOU]_0-i , " said [the Countess]_{1416-the countess} gaily , "_[0-i] are not in the least what [he]_{632-your friend} came out for - is [he]_{632-your friend} really , [Strether]_82-strether ? and [I]_0-i had n't [you]_0-i at all in [my]_0-i mind . [I]_0-i was thinking of [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} , of whom [we]_1799-we think so much and with whom , precisely , [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} has given [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} the opportunity to take up threads . What a pleasure for [you]_0-i both ! " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} eyes on [Sarah]_126-sarah , bravely continued . [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} met [her]_126-sarah handsomely , but [Strether]_82-strether quickly saw [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} meant to accept no version of [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} movements or plans from any other lips . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} required no patronage and no support , which were but other names for a false position ; [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} would show in [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} own way what [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} chose to show , and this [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} expressed with a dry glitter that recalled to [him]_82-strether a fine Woollett winter morning . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've never wanted for opportunities to see [[my]_0-i brother]_{1779-my brother} . [We]_1801-we 've many things to think of at [home]_2874-home , and great responsibilities and occupations , and [[our]_1801-we home]_{1803-our home} 's not an impossible place . [We]_1801-we 've plenty of reasons , " [Sarah]_126-sarah continued a little piercingly , "_[1801-we] for everything [we]_1801-we do " - and in short [she]_126-sarah would n't give [herself]_126-sarah the least little scrap away . But [she]_126-sarah added as one who was always bland and who could afford a concession : "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've come because - well , because [we]_1801-we do come . " "_[0-i] Ah then fortunately ! " - [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} breathed it to the air . Five minutes later [they]_1801-we were on [their]_1801-we feet for [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} to take leave , standing together in an affability that had succeeded in surviving a further exchange of remarks ; only with the emphasised appearance on [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's part of a tendency to revert , in a ruminating manner and as with an instinctive or a precautionary lightening of [his]_96-waymarsh tread , to an open window and [his]_96-waymarsh point of vantage . [The glazed and gilded room]_{4298-the glazed and gilded room} , all red damask , ormolu , mirrors , clocks , looked south , and the shutters were bowed upon the summer morning ; but [the Tuileries garden]_{257-the tuileries garden} and what was beyond [it]_{257-the tuileries garden} , over which [the whole place]_{3738-the whole place} hung , were things visible through gaps ; so that the far - spreading presence of [Paris]_1-paris came up in coolness , dimness and invitation , in the twinkle of gilt - tipped palings , the crunch of gravel , the click of hoofs , the crack of whips , things that suggested some parade of [the circus]_{4301-the circus} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i think it probable , " said [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , "_[0-i] that [I]_0-i shall have the opportunity of going to [[my]_0-i brother]_{1779-my brother} 's [I]_0-i 've no doubt it 's very pleasant indeed . " [She]_0-i spoke as to [Strether]_82-strether , but [her]_0-i face was turned with an intensity of brightness to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , and there was a moment during which , while [she]_0-i thus fronted [her]_0-i , [[our]_4302-our friend]_{235-our friend} expected to hear [her]_0-i add : "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm much obliged to [you]_1805-you , [I]_0-i 'm sure , for inviting [me]_0-i there . " [He]_82-strether guessed that for five seconds these words were on the point of coming ; [he]_82-strether heard them as clearly as if they had been spoken ; but [he]_82-strether presently knew they had just failed - knew it by a glance , quick and fine , from [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , which told [him]_82-strether that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} too had felt them in the air , but that the point had luckily not been made in any manner requiring notice . This left [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} free to reply only to what had been said . "_[1805-you] That [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{136-the boulevard malesherbes} may be common ground for [us]_1806-us offers [me]_0-i the best prospect [I]_0-i see for the pleasure of meeting [you]_1805-you again . " "_[1805-you] Oh [I]_0-i shall come to see [you]_1805-you , since [you]_1805-you 've been so good " : and [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} looked [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} invader]_{4304-her invader} well in the eyes . The flush in [Sarah]_126-sarah 's cheeks had by this time settled to a small definite crimson spot that was not without its own bravery ; [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} held [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} head a good deal up , and it came to [Strether]_82-strether that of [the two]_{2959-the two} , at this moment , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was the one who most carried out the idea of [a Countess]_{3694-a countess} . [He]_82-strether quite took in , however , that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} would really return [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} visitor]_{1604-her visitor} 's civility : [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} would n't report again at [Woollett]_87-woollett without at least so much producible history as that in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} pocket . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i want extremely to be able to show [you]_1805-you [[my]_0-i little daughter]_{1807-my little daughter} . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} went on ; "_[0-i] and [I]_0-i should have brought [her]_{1807-my little daughter} with [me]_0-i if [I]_0-i had n't wished first to ask [your]_1805-you leave . [I]_0-i was in hopes [I]_0-i should perhaps find [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} , of whose being with [you]_1805-you [I]_0-i 've heard from [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} and whose acquaintance [I]_0-i should so much like [[my]_0-i child]_{1460-my child} to make . If [I]_0-i have the pleasure of seeing [her]_{1807-my little daughter} and [you]_1805-you do permit it [I]_0-i shall venture to ask [her]_{1807-my little daughter} to be kind to [Jeanne]_150-jeanne . [Mr. Strether]_82-strether will tell [you]_1805-you " - [she]_0-i beautifully kept it up - "_{[82-strether]} that [[my]_0-i poor girl]_{1809-my poor girl} is gentle and good and rather lonely . [They]_1810-they 've made [friends]_2897-friends , [he]_82-strether and [she]_{1809-my poor girl} , ever so happily , and [he]_82-strether does n't , [I]_0-i believe , think ill of [her]_{1809-my poor girl} . As for [Jeanne]_150-jeanne [herself]_150-jeanne [he]_82-strether has had the same success with [her]_150-jeanne that [I]_0-i know [he]_82-strether has had here wherever [he]_82-strether has turned . " [She]_0-i seemed to ask [him]_82-strether for permission to say these things , or seemed rather to take it , softly and happily , with the ease of intimacy , for granted , and [he]_82-strether had quite the consciousness now that not to meet [her]_0-i at any point more than halfway would be odiously , basely to abandon [her]_0-i . Yes , [he]_82-strether was WITH [her]_0-i , and , opposed even in this covert , this semi - safe fashion to [those who were not]_{4308-those who were not} , [he]_82-strether felt , strangely and confusedly , but excitedly , inspiringly , how much and how far . It was as if [he]_82-strether had positively waited in suspense for something from [her]_0-i that would let [him]_82-strether in deeper , so that [he]_82-strether might show [her]_0-i how [he]_82-strether could take it . And what did in fact come as [she]_0-i drew out a little [her]_0-i farewell served sufficiently the purpose . "_{[82-strether]} As [his]_82-strether success is a matter that [I]_0-i 'm sure [he]_82-strether 'll never mention for [himself]_82-strether , [I]_0-i feel , [you]_1812-you see , the less scruple ; which it 's very good of [me]_0-i to say , [you]_1812-you know , by the way , " [she]_0-i added as [she]_0-i addressed [herself]_0-i to [him]_1812-you ; "_[0-i] considering how little direct advantage [I]_0-i 've gained from [your]_1812-you triumphs with [ME]_0-i . When does [one]_2797-one ever see [you]_1812-you ? [I]_0-i wait at [home]_2874-home and [I]_0-i languish . [You]_1812-you 'll have rendered [me]_0-i the service , [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , at least , " [she]_0-i wound up , "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} of giving [me]_0-i one of [my]_0-i much - too - rare glimpses of [this gentleman]_{1034-this gentleman} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i certainly should be sorry to deprive [you]_1812-you of anything that seems so much , as [you]_1812-you describe it , [your]_1812-you natural due . [Mr. Strether]_82-strether and [I]_0-i are [very old friends]_{1816-very old friends} , " [Sarah]_126-sarah allowed , "_{[82-strether]} but the privilege of [[his]_82-strether society]_{1817-his society} is n't a thing [I]_0-i shall quarrel about with [any one]_{2912-any one} . " "_[0-i] And yet , [dear Sarah]_126-sarah , " [he]_82-strether freely broke in , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i feel , when [I]_0-i hear [you]_126-sarah say that , that [you]_126-sarah do n't quite do justice to the important truth of the extent to which - as [you]_126-sarah 're also [mine]_1819-mine - [I]_0-i 'm [your]_126-sarah natural due . [I]_0-i should like much better , " [he]_82-strether laughed , "_[0-i] to see [you]_126-sarah fight for [me]_0-i . " [She]_126-sarah met [him]_82-strether , [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , on this , with an arrest of speech - with a certain breathlessness , as [he]_82-strether immediately fancied , on the score of a freedom for which [she]_126-sarah was n't quite prepared . It had flared up - for all the harm [he]_82-strether had intended by it - because , confoundedly , [he]_82-strether did n't want any more to be afraid about [her]_126-sarah than [he]_82-strether wanted to be afraid about [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_82-strether had never , naturally , called [her]_126-sarah anything but [Sarah]_126-sarah at [home]_2874-home , and though [he]_82-strether had perhaps never quite so markedly invoked [her]_126-sarah as [[his]_82-strether "_[126-sarah] dear]_{4310-his " dear} , " that was somehow partly because no occasion had hitherto laid so effective a trap for it . But something admonished [him]_82-strether now that it was too late - unless indeed it were possibly too early ; and that [he]_82-strether at any rate should n't have pleased [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} the more by it . "_[126-sarah] Well , [Mr. Strether]_82-strether - ! " [she]_126-sarah murmured with vagueness , yet with sharpness , while [her]_126-sarah crimson spot burned a trifle brighter and [he]_82-strether was aware that this must be for the present the limit of [her]_126-sarah response . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had already , however , come to [his]_82-strether aid , and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , as if for further participation , moved again back to [them]_4311-them . It was true that the aid rendered by [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} was questionable ; it was a sign that , for all [one]_2797-one might confess to with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , and for all [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} might complain of not enjoying , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} could still insidiously show how much of the material of conversation had accumulated between [them]_4311-them . "_{[82-strether]} The real truth is , [you]_82-strether know , that [you]_82-strether sacrifice one without mercy to [dear old Maria]_97-mamie . [She]_97-mamie leaves no room in [your]_82-strether life for [anybody else]_{1820-anybody else} . Do [you]_82-strether know , " [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} enquired of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , "_{[82-strether]} about [dear old Maria]_97-mamie ? The worst is that [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} is really [a wonderful woman]_{1821-a wonderful woman} . " "_{[1821-a wonderful woman]} Oh yes indeed , " [Strether]_82-strether answered for [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , "_{[1821-a wonderful woman]} [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} knows about [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [[Your]_82-strether mother]_{1043-your mother} , [Sarah]_126-sarah , must have told [you]_82-strether about [her]_{99-miss gostrey} ; [[your]_82-strether mother]_{1043-your mother} knows everything , " [he]_82-strether sturdily pursued . "_{[1043-your mother]} And [I]_0-i cordially admit , " [he]_82-strether added with [his]_82-strether conscious gaiety of courage , "_[0-i] that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} 's as wonderful [a woman]_{3063-a woman} as [you]_82-strether like . " "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Ah it is n't [I]_0-i who ' like , ' dear [Mr. Strether]_82-strether , anything to do with the matter ! " [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah promptly protested ; "_{[82-strether]} and [I]_0-i 'm by no means sure [I]_0-i have - from [[my]_0-i mother]_{1050-my mother} or from [any one else]_{3232-any one else} - a notion of whom [you]_82-strether 're talking about . " "_[1827-he] Well , [he]_1827-he wo n't let [you]_82-strether see [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , [you]_82-strether know , " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} sympathetically threw in . "_[1827-he] [He]_1827-he never lets [me]_0-i - [old friends]_{1828-old friends} as [we]_1829-we are : [I]_0-i mean as [I]_0-i am with [Maria]_97-mamie . [He]_1827-he reserves [her]_{99-miss gostrey} for [his]_1827-he best hours ; keeps [her]_{99-miss gostrey} consummately to [himself]_1827-he ; only gives [us]_1829-we others the crumbs of the feast . " "_[1827-he] Well , [Countess]_177-countess , [I'VE]_1830-you had some of the crumbs , " [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh observed with weight and covering [her]_177-countess with [his]_96-waymarsh large look ; which led [her]_177-countess to break in before [he]_96-waymarsh could go on . "_{[178-comment]} [Comment]_178-comment donc , [he]_1827-he shares [her]_{99-miss gostrey} with [YOU]_1830-you ? " [she]_177-countess exclaimed in droll stupefaction . "_[1827-he] Take care [you]_1830-you do n't have , before [you]_1830-you go much further , rather more of [all ces dames]_{1831-all ces dames} than [you]_1830-you may know what to do with ! " But [he]_96-waymarsh only continued in [his]_96-waymarsh massive way . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can post [you]_177-countess about [the lady]_{299-the lady} , [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , so far as [you]_177-countess may care to hear . [I]_0-i 've seen [her]_{299-the lady} quite a number of times , and [I]_0-i was practically present when [they]_1833-they made acquaintance . [I]_0-i 've kept [my]_0-i eye on [her]_{299-the lady} right along , but [I]_0-i do n't know as there 's any real harm in [her]_{299-the lady} . " "_{[177-countess]} ' Harm ' ? " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} quickly echoed . "_{[177-countess]} Why [she]_{299-the lady} 's the dearest and cleverest of [all the clever and dear]_{1834-all the clever and dear} . " "_{[299-the lady]} Well , [you]_177-countess run [her]_{299-the lady} pretty close , [Countess]_177-countess , " [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh returned with spirit ; "_{[177-countess]} though there 's no doubt [she]_{299-the lady} 's pretty well up in things . [She]_{299-the lady} knows [her]_{299-the lady} way round [Europe]_6-europe . Above all there 's no doubt [she]_{299-the lady} does love [Strether]_82-strether . " "_{[299-the lady]} Ah but [we]_1835-we all do that - [we]_1835-we all love [Strether]_82-strether : it is n't a merit ! " [[their]_1835-we fellow visitor]_{4313-their fellow visitor} laughed , keeping to [her]_{299-the lady} idea with a good conscience at which [[our]_1835-we friend]_{235-our friend} was aware that [he]_{235-our friend} marvelled , though [he]_{235-our friend} trusted also for it , as [he]_{235-our friend} met [her]_{299-the lady} exquisitely expressive eyes , to some later light . The prime effect of [her]_{299-the lady} tone , however - and it was a truth which [his]_{235-our friend} own eyes gave back to [her]_{299-the lady} in sad ironic play - could only be to make [him]_{235-our friend} feel that , to say such things to [a man in public]_{4315-a man in public} , [a woman]_{3063-a woman} must practically think of [him]_{235-our friend} as ninety years old . [He]_{235-our friend} had turned awkwardly , responsively red , [he]_{235-our friend} knew , at [her]_{299-the lady} mention of [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie ; [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah 's presence - the particular quality of it - had made this inevitable ; and then [he]_{235-our friend} had grown still redder in proportion as [he]_{235-our friend} hated to have shown anything at all . [He]_{235-our friend} felt indeed that [he]_{235-our friend} was showing much , as , uncomfortably and almost in pain , [he]_{235-our friend} offered up [his]_{235-our friend} redness to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , who , strangely enough , seemed now to be looking at [him]_{235-our friend} with a certain explanatory yearning . Something deep - something built on [their]_4317-their old old relation - passed , in this complexity , between [them]_4317-their ; [he]_{235-our friend} got the side - wind of a loyalty that stood behind all actual queer questions . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's dry bare humour - as it gave itself to be taken - gloomed out to demand justice . "_{[82-strether]} Well , if [you]_1836-you talk of [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} [I]_0-i 've [MY]_0-i chance too , " it appeared stiffly to nod , and it granted that it was giving [him]_{235-our friend} away , but struggled to add that it did so only to save [him]_{235-our friend} . [The sombre glow]_{4318-the sombre glow} stared it at [him]_{235-our friend} till it fairly sounded out - "_[0-i] to save [you]_1836-you , [poor old man]_{1837-poor old man} , to save [you]_1836-you ; to save [you]_1836-you in spite of [yourself]_1836-you . " Yet it was somehow just this communication that showed [him]_{235-our friend} to [himself]_{235-our friend} as more than ever lost . Still another result of it was to put before [him]_{235-our friend} as never yet that between [[his]_{235-our friend} comrade]_{268-his comrade} and the interest represented by [Sarah]_126-sarah there was already a basis . Beyond all question now , yes : [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had been in occult relation with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} - out , out it all came in the very effort of [his]_96-waymarsh face . "_[0-i] Yes , [you]_1838-you 're feeling [my]_0-i hand " - [he]_96-waymarsh as good as proclaimed it ; "_[1838-you] but only because this at least [I]_0-i SHALL have got out of the damned Old World : that [I]_0-i shall have picked up the pieces into which it has caused [you]_1838-you to crumble . " It was as if in short , after an instant , [Strether]_82-strether had not only had it from [him]_96-waymarsh , but had recognised that so far as this went the instant had cleared the air . [[Our]_4320-our friend]_{235-our friend} understood and approved ; [he]_{235-our friend} had the sense that [they]_4320-our would n't otherwise speak of it . This would be all , and it would mark in [himself]_96-waymarsh a kind of intelligent generosity . It was with [grim Sarah]_126-sarah then - [Sarah]_126-sarah grim for all [her]_126-sarah grace - that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had begun at ten o'clock in the morning to save [him]_96-waymarsh . Well - if [he]_96-waymarsh COULD , [poor dear man]_{4322-poor dear man} , with [his]_96-waymarsh big bleak kindness ! The upshot of which crowded perception was that [Strether]_82-strether , on [his]_82-strether own side , still showed no more than [he]_82-strether absolutely had to . [He]_82-strether showed the least possible by saying to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} after an interval much briefer than [our]_4323-our glance at the picture reflected in [him]_82-strether : "_[1839-they] Oh it 's as true as [they]_1839-they please ! - There 's no [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} for any one but [me]_0-i - not the least little peep . [I]_0-i keep [her]_{99-miss gostrey} to [myself]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Well , it 's very good of [you]_0-i to notify [me]_0-i , " [Sarah]_126-sarah replied without looking at [him]_82-strether and thrown for a moment by this discrimination , as the direction of [her]_126-sarah eyes showed , upon [a dimly desperate little community with [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet}]_{4324-a dimly desperate little community with madame de vionnet} . "_[0-i] But [I]_0-i hope [I]_0-i sha n't miss [her]_{99-miss gostrey} too much . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} instantly rallied . "_[0-i] And [you]_0-i know - though it might occur to [one]_2797-one - it is n't in the least that [he]_2797-one 's ashamed of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} 's really - in a way - extremely good - looking . " "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Ah but extremely ! " [Strether]_82-strether laughed while [he]_82-strether wondered at the odd part [he]_82-strether found thus imposed on [him]_82-strether . It continued to be so by every touch from [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Well , as [I]_0-i say , [you]_0-i know , [I]_0-i wish [you]_0-i would keep [ME]_0-i a little more to [yourself]_0-i . Could n't [you]_0-i name some day for [me]_0-i , some hour - and better soon than late ? [I]_0-i 'll be at [home]_2874-home whenever it best suits [you]_0-i . There - [I]_0-i ca n't say fairer . " [Strether]_82-strether thought a moment while Waymarsh and [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} affected [him]_82-strether as standing attentive . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did lately call on [you]_0-i . Last week - while [Chad]_111-chad was out of [town]_1642-town . " "_[111-chad] Yes - and [I]_0-i was away , as it happened , too . [You]_0-i choose [your]_0-i moments well . But do n't wait for [my]_0-i next absence , for [I]_0-i sha n't make another , " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} declared , "_[0-i] while [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's [here]_3103-here . " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} That vow need n't keep [you]_0-i long , fortunately , " [Sarah]_126-sarah observed with reasserted suavity . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall be at present but a short time in [Paris]_1-paris . [I]_0-i have [my]_0-i plans for [other countries]_{516-other countries} . [I]_0-i meet [a number of charming friends]_{1845-a number of charming friends} " - and [her]_0-i voice seemed to caress that description of [these persons]_{4224-these persons} . "_[0-i] Ah then , " [[her]_0-i visitor]_{1604-her visitor} cheerfully replied , "_[0-i] all the more reason ! To - morrow , for instance , or next day ? " [she]_0-i continued to [Strether]_82-strether . "_[0-i] Tuesday would do for [me]_0-i beautifully . " "_[0-i] Tuesday then with pleasure . " "_[0-i] And at half - past five ? - or at six ? " It was ridiculous , but [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh struck [him]_82-strether as fairly waiting for [his]_82-strether answer . It was indeed as if [they]_{4224-these persons} were arranged , gathered for a performance , the performance of "_[0-i] [Europe]_6-europe " by [[his]_82-strether confederate]_{4327-his confederate} and [himself]_82-strether . Well , the performance could only go on . "_[0-i] Say five forty - five . " "_[0-i] Five forty - five - good . " And now at last [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} must leave [them]_{4224-these persons} , though it carried , for [herself]_{85-madame de vionnet} , the performance a little further . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i DID hope so much also to see [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} . May n't [I]_0-i still ? " [Sarah]_126-sarah hesitated , but [she]_126-sarah rose equal . "_{[175-miss pocock]} [She]_{175-miss pocock} 'll return [your]_0-i visit with [me]_0-i . [She]_{175-miss pocock} 's at present out with [Mr. Pocock]_{179-mr. pocock} and [[my]_0-i brother]_{1779-my brother} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see - of course [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} has everything to show [them]_1847-them . [He]_{114-mr. newsome} has told [me]_0-i so much about [her]_{175-miss pocock} . [My]_0-i great desire 's to give [[my]_0-i daughter]_{1848-my daughter} the opportunity of making [her]_{175-miss pocock} acquaintance . [I]_0-i 'm always on the lookout for such chances for [her]_{175-miss pocock} . If [I]_0-i did n't bring [her]_{175-miss pocock} to - day it was only to make sure first that [you]_0-i 'd let [me]_0-i . " After which [the charming woman]_{4328-the charming woman} risked a more intense appeal . "_[0-i] It would n't suit [you]_0-i also to mention some near time , so that [we]_1849-we shall be sure not to lose [you]_0-i ? " [Strether]_82-strether on [his]_82-strether side waited , for [Sarah]_126-sarah likewise had , after all , to perform ; and it occupied [him]_82-strether to have been thus reminded that [she]_126-sarah had stayed at [home]_2874-home - and on [her]_126-sarah first morning of [Paris]_1-paris - while [Chad]_111-chad led [the others]_{544-the others} forth . Oh [she]_126-sarah was up to [her]_126-sarah eyes ; if [she]_126-sarah had stayed at [home]_2874-home [she]_126-sarah had stayed by an understanding , arrived at the evening before , that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would come and find [her]_126-sarah alone . This was beginning well - for a first day in [Paris]_1-paris ; and the thing might be amusing yet . But [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's earnestness was meanwhile beautiful . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i may think [me]_0-i indiscreet , but [I]_0-i 've SUCH a desire [[my]_0-i Jeanne]_{1850-my jeanne} shall know [an American girl of the really delightful kind]_{1851-an american girl of the really delightful kind} . [You]_0-i see [I]_0-i throw [myself]_0-i for it on [your]_0-i charity . " The manner of this speech gave [Strether]_82-strether such a sense of depths below it and behind it as [he]_82-strether had n't yet had - ministered in a way that almost frightened [him]_82-strether to [his]_82-strether dim divinations of reasons ; but if [Sarah]_126-sarah still , in spite of it , faltered , this was why [he]_82-strether had time for a sign of sympathy with [[her]_126-sarah petitioner]_{4332-her petitioner} . "_[0-i] Let [me]_0-i say then , [dear lady]_{3055-dear lady} , to back [your]_0-i plea , that [Miss Mamie]_97-mamie is of the most delightful kind of all - is charming among [the charming]_{1853-the charming} . " Even [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , though with more to produce on the subject , could get into motion in time . "_{[177-countess]} Yes , [Countess]_177-countess , [the American girl]_{1854-the american girl} 's a thing that [[your]_177-countess country]_{1855-your country} must at least allow [ours]_1856-ours the privilege to say [we]_1856-ours CAN show [you]_177-countess . But [her]_{1854-the american girl} full beauty is only for those who know how to make use of [her]_{1854-the american girl} . " "_{[1854-the american girl]} Ah then , " smiled [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , "_{[1854-the american girl]} that 's exactly what [I]_0-i want to do . [I]_0-i 'm sure [she]_{1854-the american girl} has much to teach [us]_1856-ours . " It was wonderful , but what was scarce less so was that [Strether]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether , by the quick effect of it , moved another way . "_{[1854-the american girl]} Oh that may be ! But do n't speak of [[your]_177-countess own exquisite daughter]_{1857-your own exquisite daughter} , [you]_177-countess know , as if [she]_{1857-your own exquisite daughter} were n't pure perfection . [I]_0-i at least wo n't take that from [you]_177-countess . [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} , " [he]_82-strether explained , in considerable form , to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , "_{[154-mademoiselle de vionnet]} IS pure perfection . [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} IS exquisite . " It had been perhaps a little portentous , but "_{[154-mademoiselle de vionnet]} Ah ? " [Sarah]_126-sarah simply glittered . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [himself]_96-waymarsh , for that matter , apparently recognised , in respect to the facts , the need of a larger justice , and [he]_96-waymarsh had with it an inclination to [Sarah]_126-sarah . "_{[181-miss jane]} [Miss Jane]_{181-miss jane} 's strikingly handsome - in the regular French style . " It somehow made both [Strether]_82-strether and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} laugh out , though at the very moment [he]_82-strether caught in [Sarah]_126-sarah 's eyes , as glancing at [the speaker]_{3277-the speaker} , a vague but unmistakeable "_{[177-countess]} [You]_177-countess too ? " It made [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh in fact look consciously over [her]_126-sarah head . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} meanwhile , however , made [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} point in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} own way . "_{[177-countess]} [I]_0-i wish indeed [I]_0-i could offer [you]_177-countess [[my]_0-i poor child]_{1858-my poor child} as a dazzling attraction : it would make [one]_2797-one 's position simple enough ! [She]_{1858-my poor child} 's as good as [she]_{1858-my poor child} can be , but of course [she]_{1858-my poor child} 's different , and the question is now - in the light of the way things seem to go - if [she]_{1858-my poor child} is n't after all TOO different : too different [I]_0-i mean from the splendid type every one is so agreed that [[your]_177-countess wonderful country]_{1860-your wonderful country} produces . On the other hand of course [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} , who knows it so well , has , as [a good friend]_{1861-a good friend} , [dear kind man that [he]_{114-mr. newsome} is]_{1862-dear kind man that he is} , done everything [he]_{114-mr. newsome} can - to keep [us]_1863-us from fatal benightedness - for [my]_0-i small shy creature . Well , " [she]_{1858-my poor child} wound up after [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} had signified , in a murmur still a little stiff , that [she]_{1858-my poor child} would speak to [[her]_{1858-my poor child} own young charge]_{4334-her own young charge} on the question - "_{[114-mr. newsome]} well , [we]_1863-us shall sit , [[my]_0-i child]_{1460-my child} and [I]_0-i , and wait and wait and wait for [you]_177-countess . " But [her]_{1858-my poor child} last fine turn was for [Strether]_82-strether . "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Do speak of [us]_1863-us in such a way - ! " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} As that something ca n't but come of it ? Oh something SHALL come of it ! [I]_0-i take a great interest ! " [he]_82-strether further declared ; and in proof of it , the next moment , [he]_82-strether had gone with [her]_{1858-my poor child} down to [[her]_{1858-my poor child} carriage]_{4335-her carriage} . Book Ninth [I]_0-i "_[0-i] The difficulty is , " [Strether]_82-strether said to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} a couple of days later , "_[0-i] that [I]_0-i ca n't surprise [them]_1865-they into the smallest sign of [his]_1866-his not being the same old Chad [they]_1865-they 've been for the last three years glowering at across [the sea]_{4281-the sea} . [They]_1865-they simply wo n't give any , and as a policy , [you]_1868-you know - what [you]_1868-you call a parti pris , a deep game - that 's positively remarkable . " It was so remarkable that [[our]_1863-us friend]_{235-our friend} had pulled up before [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} with the vision of it ; [he]_82-strether had risen from [his]_82-strether chair at the end of ten minutes and begun , as a help not to worry , to move about before [her]_{1858-my poor child} quite as [he]_82-strether moved before [Maria]_97-mamie . [He]_82-strether had kept [his]_82-strether appointment with [her]_{1858-my poor child} to the minute and had been intensely impatient , though divided in truth between the sense of having everything to tell [her]_{1858-my poor child} and the sense of having nothing at all . The short interval had , in the face of [their]_4338-they complication , multiplied [his]_82-strether impressions - it being meanwhile to be noted , moreover , that [he]_82-strether already frankly , already almost publicly , viewed the complication as common to [them]_4338-they . If [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , under [Sarah]_126-sarah 's eyes , had pulled [him]_82-strether into [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} boat]_{3732-her boat} , there was by this time no doubt whatever that [he]_82-strether had remained in [it]_{3732-her boat} and that what [he]_82-strether had really most been conscious of for many hours together was the movement of [the vessel]_{4340-the vessel} itself . [They]_4338-they were in it together this moment as [they]_4338-they had n't yet been , and [he]_82-strether had n't at present uttered the least of the words of alarm or remonstrance that had died on [his]_82-strether lips at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} . [He]_82-strether had other things to say to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} than that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had put [him]_82-strether in a position ; so quickly had [his]_82-strether position grown to affect [him]_82-strether as quite excitingly , altogether richly , inevitable . That the outlook , however - given the point of exposure - had n't cleared up half so much as [he]_82-strether had reckoned was the first warning [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} received from [him]_82-strether on [his]_82-strether arrival . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} had replied with indulgence that [he]_82-strether was in too great a hurry , and had remarked soothingly that if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} knew how to be patient surely [HE]_82-strether might be . [He]_82-strether felt [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} presence , on the spot , [he]_82-strether felt [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} tone and everything about [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , as an aid to that effort ; and it was perhaps one of the proofs of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} success with [him]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether seemed so much to take [his]_82-strether ease while [they]_4342-they talked . By the time [he]_82-strether had explained to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} why [his]_82-strether impressions , though multiplied , still baffled [him]_82-strether , it was as if [he]_82-strether had been familiarly talking for hours . They baffled [him]_82-strether because [Sarah]_126-sarah - well , [Sarah]_126-sarah was deep , deeper than [she]_126-sarah had ever yet had a chance to show [herself]_126-sarah . [He]_82-strether did n't say that this was partly the effect of [her]_126-sarah opening so straight down , as it were , into [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} , and that , given [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's profundity , the shaft thus sunk might well have a reach ; but [he]_82-strether was n't without a resigned apprehension that , at such a rate of confidence between [the two women]_{4344-the two women} , [he]_82-strether was likely soon to be moved to show how already , at moments , it had been for [him]_82-strether as if [he]_82-strether were dealing directly with [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [Sarah]_126-sarah , to a certainty , would have begun [herself]_126-sarah to feel it in [him]_82-strether - and this naturally put it in [her]_126-sarah power to torment [him]_82-strether the more . From the moment [she]_126-sarah knew [he]_82-strether COULD be tormented - ! "_[1868-you] But WHY can [you]_1869-you be ? " - [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} was surprised at [his]_82-strether use of the word . "_[1868-you] Because [I]_0-i 'm made so - [I]_0-i think of everything . " "_[0-i] Ah one must never do that , " [she]_126-sarah smiled . "_[2797-one] [One]_2797-one must think of as few things as possible . " "_[2797-one] Then , " [he]_82-strether answered , "_[2797-one] [one]_2797-one must pick them out right . But all [I]_0-i mean is - for [I]_0-i express [myself]_0-i with violence - that [she]_1872-her 's in a position to watch [me]_0-i . There 's an element of suspense for [me]_0-i , and [she]_1872-her can see [me]_0-i wriggle . But [my]_0-i wriggling does n't matter , " [he]_82-strether pursued . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can bear it . Besides , [I]_0-i shall wriggle out . " The picture at any rate stirred in [her]_1872-her an appreciation that [he]_82-strether felt to be sincere . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't see how [a man]_{572-a man} can be kinder to [a woman]_{3063-a woman} than [you]_1872-her are to [me]_0-i . " Well , kind was what [he]_82-strether wanted to be ; yet even while [her]_1872-her charming eyes rested on [him]_82-strether with the truth of this [he]_82-strether none the less had [his]_82-strether humour of honesty . "_[0-i] When [I]_0-i say suspense [I]_0-i mean , [you]_1872-her know , " [he]_{572-a man} laughed , ' suspense about [my]_0-i own case too ! "_[0-i] " Oh yes - about [your]_1872-her own case too ! "_[1872-her] It diminished [his]_{572-a man} magnanimity , but [she]_1872-her only looked at [him]_{572-a man} the more tenderly . " Not , however , "_{[572-a man]} [he]_{572-a man} went on , " that [I]_{572-a man} want to talk to [you]_1872-her about that . It 's [my]_{572-a man} own little affair , and [I]_{572-a man} mentioned it simply as part of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's advantage . "_{[572-a man]} No , no ; though there was a queer present temptation in it , and [his]_{572-a man} suspense was so real that to fidget was a relief , [he]_{572-a man} would n't talk to [her]_1872-her about [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} , would n't work off on [her]_1872-her the anxiety produced in [him]_{572-a man} by [Sarah]_126-sarah 's calculated omissions of reference . The effect [she]_1872-her produced of representing [[her]_1872-her mother]_{3347-her mother} had been produced - and that was just the immense , the uncanny part of it - without [her]_1872-her having so much as mentioned [that lady]_{3398-that lady} . [She]_1872-her had brought no message , had alluded to no question , had only answered [his]_{572-a man} enquiries with hopeless limited propriety . [She]_1872-her had invented a way of meeting [them]_1877-them - as if [he]_{572-a man} had been [a polite perfunctory poor relation]_{1878-a polite perfunctory poor relation} , of distant degree - that made them almost ridiculous in [him]_{572-a man} . [He]_{572-a man} could n't moreover on [his]_{572-a man} own side ask much without appearing to publish how [he]_{572-a man} had lately lacked news ; a circumstance of which it was [Sarah]_126-sarah 's profound policy not to betray a suspicion . These things , all the same , [he]_{572-a man} would n't breathe to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - much as they might make [him]_{572-a man} walk up and down . And what [he]_{572-a man} did n't say - as well as what [SHE]_1872-her did n't , for [she]_1872-her had also [her]_1872-her high decencies - enhanced the effect of [his]_{572-a man} being there with [her]_1872-her at the end of ten minutes more intimately on the basis of saving [her]_1872-her than [he]_{572-a man} had yet had occasion to be . It ended in fact by being quite beautiful between [them]_1879-them , the number of things [they]_1879-them had a manifest consciousness of not saying . [He]_{572-a man} would have liked to turn [her]_1872-her , critically , to the subject of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , but [he]_{572-a man} so stuck to the line [he]_{572-a man} felt to be the point of honour and of delicacy that [he]_{572-a man} scarce even asked [her]_1872-her what [her]_1872-her personal impression had been . [He]_{572-a man} knew it , for that matter , without putting [her]_1872-her to trouble : that [she]_1872-her wondered how , with such elements , [Sarah]_126-sarah could still have no charm , was one of the principal things [she]_1872-her held [her]_1872-her tongue about . [Strether]_82-strether would have been interested in [her]_1872-her estimate of the elements - indubitably there , some of them , and to be appraised according to taste - but [he]_{572-a man} denied [himself]_{572-a man} even the luxury of this diversion . The way [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} affected [him]_{572-a man} to - day was in itself a kind of demonstration of the happy employment of gifts . How could [a woman]_{3063-a woman} think [Sarah]_126-sarah had charm who struck one as having arrived at it [herself]_{3063-a woman} by [such different roads]_{1881-such different roads} ? On the other hand of course [Sarah]_126-sarah was n't obliged to have it . [He]_{572-a man} felt as if somehow [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} WAS . The great question meanwhile was what [Chad]_111-chad thought of [[his]_111-chad sister]_{4135-his sister} ; which was naturally ushered in by that of [Sarah]_126-sarah 's apprehension of [Chad]_111-chad . THAT [they]_1883-they could talk of , and with a freedom purchased by [their]_1883-they discretion in other senses . The difficulty however was that [they]_1883-they were reduced as yet to conjecture . [He]_111-chad had given [them]_1883-they in the day or two as little of a lead as [Sarah]_126-sarah , and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} mentioned that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had n't seen [him]_111-chad since [[his]_111-chad sister]_{4135-his sister} 's arrival . " And does that strike [you]_111-chad as such an age ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} met it in all honesty . " Oh [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} wo n't pretend [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} do n't miss [him]_111-chad . Sometimes [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} see [him]_111-chad every day . [Our]_4346-our friendship 's like that . Make what [you]_111-chad will of it ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} whimsically smiled ; a little flicker of the kind , occasional in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , that had more than once moved [him]_111-chad to wonder what [he]_111-chad might best make of [HER]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " But [he]_111-chad 's perfectly right , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} hastened to add , " and [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} would n't have [him]_111-chad fail in any way at present for [the world]_{2804-the world} . [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} 'd sooner not see [him]_111-chad for three months . [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} begged [him]_111-chad to be beautiful to [them]_4348-them , and [he]_111-chad fully feels it for [himself]_111-chad . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [Strether]_82-strether turned away under [his]_82-strether quick perception ; [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was so odd a mixture of lucidity and mystery . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} fell in at moments with the theory about [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} [he]_111-chad most cherished , and [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} seemed at [others]_2890-others to blow it into air . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} spoke now as if [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} art were all an innocence , and then again as if [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} innocence were all an art . " Oh [he]_111-chad 's giving [himself]_111-chad up , and [he]_111-chad 'll do so to the end . How can [he]_111-chad but want , now that it 's within reach , [his]_111-chad full impression ? - which is much more important , [you]_82-strether know , than either [yours]_82-strether or [mine]_4349-mine . But [he]_111-chad 's just soaking , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether said as [he]_82-strether came back ; " [he]_111-chad 's going in conscientiously for a saturation . [I]_82-strether 'm bound to say [he]_111-chad IS very good . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} quietly replied , " to whom do [you]_82-strether say it ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} And then more quietly still : " [He]_111-chad 's capable of anything . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether more than reaffirmed - " Oh [he]_111-chad 's excellent . [I]_82-strether more and more like , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether insisted , " to see [him]_111-chad with [them]_1886-them ; "_{[82-strether]} though the oddity of this tone between [them]_1886-them grew sharper for [him]_82-strether even while [they]_1886-them spoke . It placed [the young man]_{2833-the young man} so before [them]_1886-them as the result of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} interest and the product of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} genius , acknowledged so [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} part in the phenomenon and made the phenomenon so rare , that more than ever yet [he]_82-strether might have been on the very point of asking [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} for some more detailed account of the whole business than [he]_82-strether had yet received from [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . The occasion almost forced upon [him]_82-strether some question as to how [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had managed and as to the appearance such miracles presented from [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} own singularly close place of survey . The moment in fact however passed , giving way to more present history , and [he]_82-strether continued simply to mark [his]_82-strether appreciation of the happy truth . " It 's a tremendous comfort to feel how [one]_2797-one can trust [him]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} And then again while for a little [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} said nothing - as if after all to [HER]_{85-madame de vionnet} trust there might be a special limit : " [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} mean for making a good show to [them]_4351-they . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Yes , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} thoughtfully returned - " but if [they]_4351-they shut [their]_4351-they eyes to it ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether for an instant had [his]_82-strether own thought . " Well perhaps that wo n't matter ! "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_{85-madame de vionnet} mean because [he]_82-strether probably - do what [they]_4351-they will - wo n't like [them]_4351-they ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh ' do what [they]_4351-they will ' - ! [They]_4351-they wo n't do much ; especially if [Sarah]_126-sarah has n't more - well , more than [one]_2797-one has yet made out - to give . "_{[82-strether]} [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} weighed it . " Ah [she]_126-sarah has all [her]_126-sarah grace ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} It was a statement over which , for a little , [they]_1888-they could look at [each other]_{2864-each other} sufficiently straight , and though it produced no protest from [Strether]_82-strether the effect was somehow as if [he]_82-strether had treated it as a joke . " [She]_126-sarah may be persuasive and caressing with [him]_82-strether ; [she]_126-sarah may be eloquent beyond words . [She]_126-sarah may get hold of [him]_82-strether , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wound up - " well , as neither [you]_82-strether nor [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} have . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Yes , [she]_126-sarah MAY "_{[82-strether]} - and now [Strether]_82-strether smiled . " But [he]_82-strether has spent all [his]_82-strether time each day with [Jim]_118-jim . [He]_82-strether 's still showing [Jim]_118-jim round . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} visibly wondered . " Then how about [Jim]_118-jim ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether took a turn before [he]_82-strether answered . " Has n't [he]_118-jim given [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} [Jim]_118-jim ? Has n't [he]_118-jim before this ' done ' [him]_118-jim for [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether was a little at a loss . " Does n't [he]_118-jim tell [you]_82-strether things ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} hesitated . " No "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} - and [their]_1890-them eyes once more gave and took . " Not as [you]_82-strether do . [You]_82-strether somehow make [me]_{85-madame de vionnet} see [them]_1890-them - or at least feel [them]_1890-them . And [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} have n't asked too much , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} added ; " [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} 've of late wanted so not to worry [him]_118-jim . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Ah for that , so have [I]_82-strether , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether said with encouraging assent ; so that - as if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had answered everything - [they]_1890-them were briefly sociable on it . It threw [him]_82-strether back on [his]_82-strether other thought , with which [he]_82-strether took another turn ; stopping again , however , presently with something of a glow . " [You]_82-strether see [Jim]_118-jim 's really immense . [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} think it will be [Jim]_118-jim who 'll do it . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} wondered . " Get hold of [him]_118-jim ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " No - just the other thing . Counteract [Sarah]_126-sarah 's spell . "_{[82-strether]} And [he]_82-strether showed now , [[our]_1890-them friend]_{235-our friend} , how far [he]_82-strether had worked it out . " [Jim]_118-jim 's intensely cynical . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh dear [Jim]_118-jim ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} vaguely smiled . " Yes , literally - [dear Jim]_118-jim ! [He]_118-jim 's awful . What [HE]_118-jim wants , heaven forgive [him]_118-jim , is to help [us]_1890-them . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " [You]_82-strether mean "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} - [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was eager - " help [ME]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Well , [Chad]_111-chad and [me]_82-strether in the first place . But [he]_118-jim throws [you]_118-jim in too , though without as yet seeing [you]_118-jim much . Only , so far as [he]_118-jim does see [you]_118-jim - if [you]_118-jim do n't mind - [he]_118-jim sees [you]_118-jim as awful . "_{[82-strether]} " ' Awful ' ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} - [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} wanted it all . " A regular bad one - though of course of a tremendously superior kind . Dreadful , delightful , irresistible . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Ah dear [Jim]_118-jim ! [I]_82-strether should like to know [him]_118-jim . [I]_82-strether MUST . "_{[82-strether]} " Yes , naturally . But will it do ? [You]_118-jim may , [you]_118-jim know , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether suggested , " disappoint [him]_118-jim . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} was droll and humble about it . " [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} can but try . But [my]_{85-madame de vionnet} wickedness then , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} went on , " is [my]_{85-madame de vionnet} recommendation for [him]_118-jim ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " [Your]_118-jim wickedness and the charms with which , in such a degree as [yours]_118-jim , [he]_118-jim associates it . [He]_118-jim understands , [you]_118-jim see , that [Chad]_111-chad and [I]_82-strether have above all wanted to have a good time , and [his]_118-jim view is simple and sharp . Nothing will persuade [him]_118-jim - in the light , that is , of [my]_82-strether behaviour - that [I]_82-strether really did n't , quite as much as [Chad]_111-chad , come over to have one before it was too late . [He]_118-jim would n't have expected it of [me]_82-strether ; but [men of [my]_82-strether age]_{4353-men of my age} , at [Woollett]_87-woollett - and [especially the least likely ones]_{4354-especially the least likely ones} - have been noted as liable to strange outbreaks , belated uncanny clutches at the unusual , the ideal . It 's an effect that a lifetime of [Woollett]_87-woollett has quite been observed as having ; and [I]_82-strether thus give it to [you]_118-jim , in [Jim]_118-jim 's view , for what it 's worth . Now [[his]_118-jim wife]_{458-his wife} and [[his]_118-jim mother - in - law]_{4356-his mother - in - law} , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether continued to explain , " have , as in honour bound , no patience with such phenomena , late or early - which puts [Jim]_118-jim , as against [[his]_118-jim relatives]_{1684-his relatives} , on the other side . Besides , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added , " [I]_82-strether do n't think [he]_118-jim really wants [Chad]_111-chad back . If [Chad]_111-chad does n't come - "_{[82-strether]} " [He]_118-jim 'll have "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} - [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} quite apprehended - " more of the free hand ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Well , [Chad]_111-chad 's [the bigger man]_{4358-the bigger man} . "_{[82-strether]} " So [he]_111-chad 'll work now , en dessous , to keep [him]_111-chad quiet ? "_{[82-strether]} " No - [he]_111-chad wo n't ' work ' at all , and [he]_111-chad wo n't do anything en dessous . [He]_111-chad 's very decent and wo n't be [a traitor in [the camp]_{4360-the camp}]_{4359-a traitor in the camp} . But [he]_111-chad 'll be amused with [his]_111-chad own little view of [our]_4361-our duplicity , [he]_111-chad 'll sniff up what [he]_111-chad supposes to be [Paris]_1-paris from morning till night , and [he]_111-chad 'll be , as to the rest , for [Chad]_111-chad - well , just what [he]_111-chad is . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} thought it over . " A warning ? "_[1892-he] [He]_1892-he met it almost with glee . " [You]_{85-madame de vionnet} ARE as wonderful as [everybody]_{1363-everybody} says ! "_[1892-he] And then to explain all [he]_1892-he meant : " [I]_1892-he drove [him]_111-chad about for [his]_111-chad first hour , and do [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} know what - all beautifully unconscious - [he]_111-chad most put before [me]_1892-he ? Why that something like THAT is at bottom , as an improvement to [his]_111-chad present state , as in fact the real redemption of it , what [they]_4363-they think it may not be too late to make of [[our]_4364-our friend]_{235-our friend} . "_[1892-he] With which , as , taking it in , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} seemed , in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} recurrent alarm , bravely to gaze at the possibility , [he]_1892-he completed [his]_1892-he statement . " But it IS too late . Thanks to [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} ! "_[1892-he] It drew from [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} again one of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} indefinite reflexions . " Oh ' [me]_1892-he ' - after all ! "_[1892-he] [He]_1892-he stood before [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} so exhilarated by [his]_1892-he demonstration that [he]_1892-he could fairly be jocular . " Everything 's comparative . [You]_{85-madame de vionnet} 're better than THAT . "_[1892-he] " [You]_{85-madame de vionnet} "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} - [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} could but answer [him]_1892-he - " are better than anything . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} But [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had another thought . " WILL [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} come to [me]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Oh yes - [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 'll do that . As soon , that is , as [[my]_{85-madame de vionnet} friend]_{217-my friend} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh - [[HER]_{113-mrs. pocock} friend]_{547-her friend} now - leaves [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} leisure . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} showed an interest . " Is [he]_1892-he so much [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} friend]_{547-her friend} as that ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Why , did n't [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} see it all at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Oh "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} - [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was amused - " ' all ' is a good deal to say . [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} do n't know - [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} forget . [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} lost [myself]_{85-madame de vionnet} in [HER]_{113-mrs. pocock} . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " [You]_82-strether were splendid , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether returned - " but ' all ' is n't a good deal to say : it 's only a little . Yet it 's charming so far as it goes . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} wants [a man]_{572-a man} to [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} . "_{[82-strether]} " And has n't [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} got [you]_82-strether ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Do [you]_82-strether think [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} looked at [me]_82-strether - or even at [you]_82-strether - as if [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether easily dismissed that irony . " [Every one]_{659-every one} , [you]_82-strether see , must strike [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} as having [somebody]_{2913-somebody} . [You]_82-strether 've got [Chad]_111-chad - and [Chad]_111-chad has got [you]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_1893-she see "_[1893-she] - [she]_1893-she made of it what [she]_1893-she could . " And [you]_82-strether 've got [Maria]_97-mamie . "_[1893-she] Well , [he]_82-strether on [his]_82-strether side accepted that . " [I]_82-strether 've got [Maria]_97-mamie . And [Maria]_97-mamie has got [me]_82-strether . So it goes . "_{[82-strether]} " But [Mr. Jim]_118-jim - whom has [he]_118-jim got ? "_[1893-she] " Oh [he]_118-jim has got - or it 's as IF [he]_118-jim had - [the whole place]_{3738-the whole place} . "_[1893-she] " But for [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh "_[1893-she] - [she]_1893-she recalled - " is n't [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} before [any one else]_{3232-any one else} ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether shook [his]_82-strether head . " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} is [a raffinee]_{4375-a raffinee} , and [her]_{131-miss barrace} amusement wo n't lose by [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . It will gain rather - especially if [Sarah]_126-sarah triumphs and [she]_126-sarah comes in for a view of it . "_{[82-strether]} " How well [you]_82-strether know [us]_4376-us ! "_[1893-she] [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , at this , frankly sighed . " No - it seems to [me]_{85-madame de vionnet} it 's [we]_4376-us that [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} know . [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} know [Sarah]_126-sarah - it 's perhaps on that ground only that [my]_{85-madame de vionnet} feet are firm . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh will take [her]_126-sarah round while [Chad]_111-chad takes [Jim]_118-jim - and [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} shall be , [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} assure [you]_4377-you delighted for [both of [them]_{3499-both of them}]_{3499-both of them} . [Sarah]_126-sarah will have had what [she]_126-sarah requires - [she]_126-sarah will have paid [her]_126-sarah tribute to the ideal ; and [he]_111-chad will have done about the same . In [Paris]_1-paris it 's in the air - so what can [one]_2797-one do less ? If there 's a point that , beyond any other , [Sarah]_126-sarah wants to make , it 's that [she]_126-sarah did n't come out to be narrow . [We]_4380-we shall feel at least that . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " Oh , "_[1894-she] [she]_1894-she sighed , " the quantity [we]_4380-we seem likely to ' feel ' ! But what becomes , in these conditions , of [the girl]_{1155-the girl} ? "_[1894-she] " Of [Mamie]_97-mamie - if [we]_4380-we 're all provided ? Ah for that , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [you]_4377-you can trust [Chad]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} " To be , [you]_82-strether mean , all right to [her]_97-mamie ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} " To pay [her]_97-mamie every attention as soon as [he]_111-chad has polished off [Jim]_118-jim . [He]_111-chad wants what [Jim]_118-jim can give [him]_111-chad - and what [Jim]_118-jim really wo n't - though [he]_111-chad has had it all , and more than all , from [me]_1894-she . [He]_111-chad wants in short [his]_111-chad own personal impression , and [he]_111-chad 'll get it - strong . But as soon as [he]_111-chad has got it [Mamie]_97-mamie wo n't suffer . "_[1894-she] " Oh [Mamie]_97-mamie must n't SUFFER ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} soothingly emphasised . But [Strether]_82-strether could reassure [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " Do n't fear . As soon as [he]_111-chad has done with [Jim]_118-jim , [Jim]_118-jim will fall to [me]_82-strether . And then [you]_{85-madame de vionnet} 'll see . "_{[82-strether]} It was as if in a moment [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} saw already ; yet [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} still waited . Then " Is [she]_97-mamie really quite charming ? "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} asked . [He]_82-strether had got up with [his]_82-strether last words and gathered in [his]_82-strether hat and gloves . " [I]_82-strether do n't know ; [I]_82-strether 'm watching . [I]_82-strether 'm studying the case , as it were - and [I]_82-strether dare say [I]_82-strether shall be able to tell [you]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} wondered . " Is it a case ? "_{[82-strether]} " Yes - [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} think so . At any rate [I]_{85-madame de vionnet} shall see . ' "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} But have n't [you]_82-strether known [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} before ? " "_{[82-strether]} Yes , " [he]_82-strether smiled - "_{[82-strether]} but somehow at [home]_2874-home [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was n't a case . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} has become one since . " It was as if [he]_82-strether made it out for [himself]_82-strether . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} has become one here . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} So very very soon ? " [He]_82-strether measured it , laughing . "_[0-i] Not sooner than [I]_0-i did . " "_[0-i] And [you]_82-strether became one - ? " "_{[82-strether]} Very very soon . The day [I]_0-i arrived . " [Her]_{175-miss pocock} intelligent eyes showed [her]_{175-miss pocock} thought of it . "_[0-i] Ah but the day [you]_82-strether arrived [you]_82-strether met [Maria]_97-mamie . Whom has [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} met ? " [He]_82-strether paused again , but [he]_82-strether brought it out . "_{[175-miss pocock]} Has n't [she]_{175-miss pocock} met [Chad]_111-chad ? " "_[111-chad] Certainly - but not for the first time . [He]_111-chad 's [an old friend]_{1896-an old friend} . " At which [Strether]_82-strether had a slow amused significant headshake that made [her]_{175-miss pocock} go on : "_{[1896-an old friend]} [You]_82-strether mean that for [HER]_{175-miss pocock} at least [he]_111-chad 's [a new person]_{1897-a new person} - that [she]_{175-miss pocock} sees [him]_111-chad as different ? " "_{[175-miss pocock]} [She]_{175-miss pocock} sees [him]_111-chad as different . " "_{[175-miss pocock]} And how does [she]_{175-miss pocock} see [him]_111-chad ? " [Strether]_82-strether gave it up . "_{[175-miss pocock]} How can one tell how [a deep little girl]_{1898-a deep little girl} sees [a deep young man]_{1899-a deep young man} ? " "_{[1898-a deep little girl]} Is [every one so deep]_{1900-every one so deep} ? Is [she]_{175-miss pocock} too ? " "_{[175-miss pocock]} So it strikes [me]_0-i deeper than [I]_0-i thought . But wait a little - between [us]_1901-us [we]_1901-us 'll make it out . [You]_0-i 'll judge for that matter [yourself]_0-i . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} looked for the moment fairly bent on the chance . "_[0-i] Then [she]_{175-miss pocock} WILL come with [her]_{175-miss pocock} ? - [I]_0-i mean [Mamie]_97-mamie with [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ? " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} Certainly . [Her]_{175-miss pocock} curiosity , if nothing else , will in any case work that . But leave it all to [Chad]_111-chad . " "_[111-chad] Ah , " wailed [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} , turning away a little wearily , "_[111-chad] the things [I]_0-i leave to [Chad]_111-chad ! " The tone of it made [him]_111-chad look at [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} with a kindness that showed [his]_111-chad vision of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} suspense . But [he]_111-chad fell back on [his]_111-chad confidence . "_[111-chad] Oh well - trust [him]_111-chad . Trust [him]_111-chad all the way . " [He]_111-chad had indeed no sooner so spoken than the queer displacement of [his]_111-chad point of view appeared again to come up for [him]_111-chad in the very sound , which drew from [him]_111-chad a short laugh , immediately checked . [He]_111-chad became still more advisory . "_[111-chad] When [they]_1902-them do come give [them]_1902-them plenty of [Miss Jeanne]_183-jeanne . Let [Mamie]_97-mamie see [her]_183-jeanne well . " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} looked for a moment as if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} placed [them]_1902-them face to face . "_[97-mamie] For [Mamie]_97-mamie to hate [her]_183-jeanne ? " [He]_111-chad had another of [his]_111-chad corrective headshakes . "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie wo n't . Trust [THEM]_1902-them . " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} looked at [him]_111-chad hard , and then as if it were what [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} must always come back to : "_[1902-them] It 's [you]_1903-you [I]_0-i trust . But [I]_0-i was sincere , " [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} said , "_[0-i] at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} . [I]_0-i did , [I]_0-i do , want [[my]_0-i child]_{1460-my child} - " "_{[1460-my child]} Well ? " - [Strether]_82-strether waited with deference while [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} appeared to hesitate as to how to put it . "_{[1460-my child]} Well , to do what [she]_{1460-my child} can for [me]_0-i . " [Strether]_82-strether for a little met [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} eyes on it ; after which something that might have been unexpected to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} came from [him]_82-strether . "_{[1460-my child]} [Poor little duck]_{1906-poor little duck} ! " Not more expected for [himself]_82-strether indeed might well have been [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} echo of it . "_{[1906-poor little duck]} Poor little duck ! But [she]_{1460-my child} immensely wants [herself]_{1460-my child} , " [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} said , "_{[1460-my child]} to see [[our]_1907-our friend 's cousin]_{1908-our friend 's cousin} . " "_{[1460-my child]} Is that what [she]_{1460-my child} thinks [her]_{1460-my child} ? " "_{[1460-my child]} It 's what [we]_1907-our call [the young lady]_{1154-the young lady} . " [He]_82-strether thought again ; then with a laugh : "_{[1154-the young lady]} Well , [[your]_{1460-my child} daughter]_{1400-your daughter} will help [you]_{1460-my child} . " And now at last [he]_82-strether took leave of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , as [he]_82-strether had been intending for five minutes . But [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} went part of the way with [him]_82-strether , accompanying [him]_82-strether out of [the room]_{413-the room} and into the next and the next . [[Her]_{85-madame de vionnet} noble old apartment]_{4383-her noble old apartment} offered a succession of three , the first two of which indeed , on entering , smaller than the last , but each with [its]_{4383-her noble old apartment} faded and formal air , enlarged [the office of the antechamber]_{4384-the office of the antechamber} and enriched the sense of approach . [Strether]_82-strether fancied [them]_4385-them , liked [them]_4385-them , and , passing through [them]_4385-them with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} more slowly now , met a sharp renewal of [his]_82-strether original impression . [He]_82-strether stopped , [he]_82-strether looked back ; the whole thing made a vista , which [he]_82-strether found high melancholy and sweet - full , once more , of dim historic shades , of the faint faraway cannon - roar of [the great Empire]_{4386-the great empire} . It was doubtless half the projection of [his]_82-strether mind , but [his]_82-strether mind was a thing that , among old waxed parquets , pale shades of pink and green , pseudo - classic candelabra , [he]_82-strether had always needfully to reckon with . [They]_4385-them could easily make [him]_82-strether irrelevant . The oddity , the originality , the poetry - [he]_82-strether did n't know what to call it - of [Chad]_111-chad 's connexion reaffirmed for [him]_82-strether its romantic side . "_[1911-they] [They]_1911-they ought to see this , [you]_1912-he know . [They]_1911-they MUST . " "_{[135-the pococks]} [The Pococks]_{135-the pococks} ? " - [she]_0-i looked about in deprecation ; [she]_0-i seemed to see gaps [he]_82-strether did n't . "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie and [Sarah]_126-sarah - [Mamie]_97-mamie in particular . " "_[126-sarah] [[My]_0-i shabby old place]_{1913-my shabby old place} ? But [THEIR]_1911-they things - ! " "_[1911-they] Oh [their]_1911-they things ! [You]_0-i were talking of what will do something for [you]_0-i - " "_[0-i] So that it strikes [you]_0-i , " [she]_0-i broke in , "_[0-i] that [[my]_0-i poor place]_{1914-my poor place} may ? Oh , " [she]_0-i ruefully mused , "_[0-i] that WOULD be desperate ! " "_[1912-he] Do [you]_1912-he know what [I]_0-i wish ? " [he]_1912-he went on . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} could have a look . " [She]_0-i stared , missing a little [his]_1912-he logic . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} It would make a difference ? " [Her]_0-i tone was so earnest that as [he]_1912-he continued to look about [he]_1912-he laughed . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} It might ! " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} But [you]_0-i 've told [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , [you]_0-i tell [me]_0-i - " "_[0-i] All about [you]_0-i ? Yes , a wonderful story . But there 's all the indescribable - what one gets only on the spot . " "_[0-i] Thank [you]_0-i ! " [she]_0-i charmingly and sadly smiled . "_[0-i] It 's all about [me]_0-i here , " [he]_1912-he freely continued . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} feels things . " But [she]_0-i seemed doomed always to come back to doubt . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [No one]_{765-no one} feels so much as [YOU]_0-i . No - not [any one]_{2912-any one} . " "_{[2912-any one]} So much the worse then for [every one]_{659-every one} . It 's very easy . " [They]_4387-they were by this time in [the antechamber]_{4388-the antechamber} , still alone together , as [she]_0-i had n't rung for [a servant]_{4389-a servant} . [The antechamber]_{4388-the antechamber} was high and square , grave and suggestive too , a little cold and slippery even in summer , and with a few old prints that were precious , [Strether]_82-strether divined , on the walls . [He]_1912-he stood in the middle , slightly lingering , vaguely directing [his]_1912-he glasses , while , leaning against the door - post of [the room]_{413-the room} , [she]_0-i gently pressed [her]_0-i cheek to the side of the recess . "_[0-i] [YOU]_0-i would have been [a friend]_{2787-a friend} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ? " - it startled [him]_1912-he a little . "_[0-i] For the reason [you]_0-i say . [You]_0-i 're not stupid . " And then abruptly , as if bringing it out were somehow founded on that fact : "_[0-i] [We]_1919-we 're marrying [Jeanne]_183-jeanne . " It affected [him]_1912-he on the spot as a move in a game , and [he]_1912-he was even then not without the sense that that was n't the way [Jeanne]_183-jeanne should be married . But [he]_1912-he quickly showed [his]_1912-he interest , though - as quickly afterwards struck [him]_1912-he - with an absurd confusion of mind . "_[0-i] ' [You]_0-i ' ? [You]_0-i and - a - not [Chad]_111-chad ? " Of course it was [[the child]_{759-the child} 's father]_{4393-the child 's father} who made the ' [we]_1919-we , ' but to [[the child]_{759-the child} 's father]_{4393-the child 's father} it would have cost [him]_1912-he an effort to allude . Yet did n't it seem the next minute that [Monsieur de Vionnet]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} was after all not in question ? - since [she]_0-i had gone on to say that it was indeed to [Chad]_111-chad [she]_0-i referred and that [he]_111-chad had been in the whole matter kindness itself . "_[111-chad] If [I]_0-i must tell [you]_1920-you all , it is [he]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad who has put [us]_1921-us in the way . [I]_0-i mean in the way of an opportunity that , so far as [I]_0-i can yet see , is all [I]_0-i could possibly have dreamed of . For all the trouble [Monsieur de Vionnet]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} will ever take ! " It was the first time [she]_0-i had spoken to [him]_111-chad of [[her]_0-i husband]_{460-her husband} , and [he]_111-chad could n't have expressed how much more intimate with [her]_0-i it suddenly made [him]_111-chad feel . It was n't much , in truth - there were other things in what [she]_0-i was saying that were far more ; but it was as if , while [they]_1921-us stood there together so easily in these cold chambers of the past , the single touch had shown the reach of [her]_0-i confidence . "_{[159-monsieur de vionnet]} But [[our]_1921-us friend]_{235-our friend} , " [she]_0-i asked , "_{[235-our friend]} has n't then told [you]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} ? " "_{[235-our friend]} [He]_{235-our friend} has told [me]_0-i nothing . " "_{[235-our friend]} Well , it has come with rather a rush - all in a very few days ; and has n't moreover yet taken a form that permits an announcement . It 's only for [you]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} - absolutely [you]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} alone - that [I]_0-i speak ; [I]_0-i so want [you]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} to know . " The sense [he]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} had so often had , since the first hour of [his]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} disembarkment , of being further and further "_[0-i] in , " treated [him]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} again at this moment to another twinge ; but in this wonderful way of [her]_0-i putting [him]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} in there continued to be something exquisitely remorseless . "_[0-i] [Monsieur de Vionnet]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} will accept what [he]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} MUST accept . [He]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} has proposed half a dozen things - each one more impossible than the other ; and [he]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} would n't have found this if [he]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} lives to a hundred . [Chad]_111-chad found it , " [she]_0-i continued with [her]_0-i lighted , faintly flushed , [her]_0-i conscious confidential face , "_[111-chad] in the quietest way in [the world]_{2804-the world} . Or rather it found [HIM]_111-chad - for everything finds [him]_111-chad ; [I]_0-i mean finds [him]_111-chad right . [You]_{159-monsieur de vionnet} 'll think [we]_1924-we do such things strangely - but at [my]_0-i age , " [she]_0-i smiled , "_[2797-one] [one]_2797-one has to accept [one]_2797-one 's conditions . [[Our]_1924-we young man 's people]_{1927-our young man 's people} had seen [her]_0-i ; [one of [[his]_111-chad sisters]_{1929-his sisters} , [a charming woman]_{1930-a charming woman} - [we]_1924-we know all about [them]_1931-them]_{1928-one of his sisters , a charming woman - we know all about them} - had observed [her]_0-i somewhere with [me]_0-i . [She]_0-i had spoken to [[her]_0-i brother]_{4203-her brother} - turned [him]_{4203-her brother} on ; and [we]_1924-we were again observed , poor [Jeanne]_183-jeanne and [I]_0-i , without [our]_1924-we in the least knowing it . It was at the beginning of the winter ; it went on for some time ; it outlasted [our]_1924-we absence ; it began again on [our]_1924-we return ; and it luckily seems all right . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} had met [Chad]_111-chad , and [he]_{2833-the young man} got [a friend]_{2787-a friend} to approach [him]_{2833-the young man} - as having a decent interest in [us]_1924-we . [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} looked well before [he]_{2833-the young man} leaped ; [he]_{2833-the young man} kept beautifully quiet and satisfied [himself]_{2833-the young man} fully ; then only [he]_{2833-the young man} spoke . It 's what has for some time past occupied [us]_1924-we . It seems as if it were what would do ; really , really all [one]_2797-one could wish . There are only two or three points to be settled - they depend on [[her]_1936-her father]_{3779-her father} . But this time [I]_0-i think [we]_1924-we 're safe . " [Strether]_82-strether , consciously gaping a little , had fairly hung upon [her]_1936-her lips . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i hope so with all [my]_0-i heart . " And then [he]_82-strether permitted [himself]_82-strether : "_[0-i] Does nothing depend on [HER]_1936-her ? " "_[0-i] Ah naturally ; everything did . But [she]_1936-her 's pleased comme tout . [She]_1936-her has been perfectly free ; and [he]_{2833-the young man} - [[our]_1924-we young friend]_{1938-our young friend} - is really a combination . [I]_0-i quite adore [him]_{2833-the young man} . " [Strether]_82-strether just made sure . "_{[2833-the young man]} [You]_0-i mean [[your]_0-i future son - in - law]_{1939-your future son - in - law} ? " "_{[2833-the young man]} Future if [we]_1924-we all bring it off . " "_{[2833-the young man]} Ah well , " said [Strether]_82-strether decorously , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i heartily hope [you]_0-i may . " There seemed little else for [him]_82-strether to say , though [her]_1936-her communication had the oddest effect on [him]_82-strether . Vaguely and confusedly [he]_82-strether was troubled by it ; feeling as if [he]_82-strether had even [himself]_82-strether been concerned in something deep and dim . [He]_82-strether had allowed for depths , but these were greater : and it was as if , oppressively - indeed absurdly - [he]_82-strether was responsible for what [they]_4397-they had now thrown up to the surface . It was - through something ancient and cold in it - what [he]_82-strether would have called the real thing . In short [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} 's news , though [he]_82-strether could n't have explained why , was a sensible shock , and [his]_82-strether oppression a weight [he]_82-strether felt [he]_82-strether must somehow or other immediately get rid of . There were too many connexions missing to make it tolerable [he]_82-strether should do anything else . [He]_82-strether was prepared to suffer - before [[his]_82-strether own inner tribunal]_{4399-his own inner tribunal} - for [Chad]_111-chad ; [he]_82-strether was prepared to suffer even for [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . But [he]_82-strether was n't prepared to suffer for [the little girl]_{4400-the little girl} So now having said the proper thing , [he]_82-strether wanted to get away . [She]_0-i held [him]_82-strether an instant , however , with another appeal . "_[0-i] Do [I]_0-i seem to [you]_1940-he very awful ? " "_[0-i] Awful ? Why so ? " But [he]_82-strether called it to [himself]_82-strether , even as [he]_82-strether spoke , [his]_82-strether biggest insincerity yet . "_[1941-our] [Our]_1941-our arrangements are so different from [yours]_1942-yours . " "_[1942-yours] [Mine]_1942-yours ? " Oh [he]_82-strether could dismiss that too ! "_[1942-yours] [I]_0-i have n't any arrangements . " "_[0-i] Then [you]_1940-he must accept mine ; all the more that they 're excellent . [They]_1943-they 're founded on a vieille sagesse . There will be much more , if all goes well , for [you]_1940-he to hear and to know , and everything , believe [me]_0-i , for [you]_1940-he to like . Do n't be afraid ; [you]_1940-he 'll be satisfied . " Thus [she]_0-i could talk to [him]_82-strether of what , of [her]_0-i innermost life - for that was what it came to - [he]_82-strether must "_[1940-he] accept " ; thus [she]_0-i could extraordinarily speak as if in such an affair [his]_82-strether being satisfied had an importance . It was all a wonder and made the whole case larger . [He]_82-strether had struck [himself]_82-strether at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} , before [Sarah]_126-sarah and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , as being in [[her]_0-i boat]_{3732-her boat} ; but where on earth was [he]_82-strether now ? This question was in the air till [her]_0-i own lips quenched it with another . "_[1940-he] And do [you]_1940-he suppose [HE]_1944-he - who loves [her]_1945-her so - would do anything reckless or cruel ? " [He]_82-strether wondered what [he]_82-strether supposed . "_[1940-he] Do [you]_1940-he mean [[your]_1940-he young man]_{1946-your young man} - ? " "_[1940-he] [I]_0-i mean [yours]_1940-he . [I]_0-i mean [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} . " It flashed for [Strether]_82-strether the next moment a finer light , and the light deepened as [she]_0-i went on . "_[1944-he] [He]_1944-he takes , thank [God]_184-god , the truest tenderest interest in [her]_1945-her . " It deepened indeed . "_[1944-he] Oh [I]_0-i 'm sure of that ! " "_[1944-he] [You]_1940-he were talking , " [she]_0-i said , "_[1940-he] about [one]_2797-one 's trusting [him]_1944-he . [You]_1940-he see then how [I]_0-i do . " [He]_1940-he waited a moment - it all came . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see - [I]_0-i see . " [He]_1940-he felt [he]_1940-he really did see . "_[0-i] [He]_1944-he would n't hurt [her]_1945-her for [the world]_{2804-the world} , nor - assuming [she]_1945-her marries at all - risk anything that might make against [her]_1945-her happiness . And - willingly , at least - [he]_1944-he would never hurt [ME]_0-i . " [Her]_0-i face , with what [he]_1940-he had by this time grasped , told [him]_1940-he more than [her]_0-i words ; whether something had come into it , or whether [he]_1940-he only read clearer , [her]_0-i whole story - what at least [he]_1940-he then took for such - reached out to [him]_1940-he from it . With the initiative [she]_0-i now attributed to [Chad]_111-chad it all made a sense , and this sense - a light , a lead , was what had abruptly risen before [him]_1940-he . [He]_1940-he wanted , once more , to get off with these things ; which was at last made easy , [a servant]_{4389-a servant} having , for [his]_1940-he assistance , on hearing voices in [the hall]_{285-the hall} , just come forward . All that [Strether]_82-strether had made out was , while [the man]_{693-the man} opened the door and impersonally waited , summed up in [his]_{693-the man} last word . "_[1944-he] [I]_0-i do n't think , [you]_0-i know , [Chad]_111-chad will tell [me]_0-i anything . " "_[111-chad] No - perhaps not yet . " "_[111-chad] And [I]_0-i wo n't as yet speak to [him]_111-chad . " "_[0-i] Ah that 's as [you]_0-i 'll think best . [You]_0-i must judge . " [She]_0-i had finally given [him]_1940-he [her]_0-i hand , which [he]_1940-he held a moment . "_[0-i] How MUCH [I]_0-i have to judge ! " "_[0-i] Everything , " said [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} : a remark that was indeed - with the refined disguised suppressed passion of [her]_0-i face - what [he]_1940-he most carried away . II So far as a direct approach was concerned [Sarah]_126-sarah had neglected [him]_1940-he , for the week now about to end , with a civil consistency of chill that , giving [him]_1940-he a higher idea of [her]_126-sarah social resource , threw [him]_1940-he back on the general reflexion that [a woman]_{3063-a woman} could always be amazing . It indeed helped a little to console [him]_1940-he that [he]_1940-he felt sure [she]_126-sarah had for the same period also left [Chad]_111-chad 's curiosity hanging ; though on the other hand , for [his]_1940-he personal relief , [Chad]_111-chad could at least go through the various motions - and [he]_111-chad made them extraordinarily numerous - of seeing [she]_126-sarah had a good time . There was n't a motion on which , in [her]_126-sarah presence , [poor Strether]_82-strether could so much as venture , and all [he]_111-chad could do when [he]_111-chad was out of it was to walk over for a talk with [Maria]_97-mamie . [He]_111-chad walked over of course much less than usual , but [he]_111-chad found a special compensation in a certain half - hour during which , toward the close of a crowded empty expensive day , [[his]_111-chad several companions]_{4407-his several companions} seemed to [him]_111-chad so disposed of as to give [his]_111-chad forms and usages a rest . [He]_111-chad had been with [them]_{4407-his several companions} in the morning and had nevertheless called on [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} in the afternoon ; but [[their]_{4407-his several companions} whole group]_{4408-their whole group} , [he]_111-chad then found , had dispersed after a fashion of which it would amuse [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} to hear . [He]_111-chad was sorry again , gratefully sorry [she]_126-sarah was so out of it - [she]_126-sarah who had really put [him]_111-chad in ; but [she]_126-sarah had fortunately always [her]_126-sarah appetite for news . The pure flame of the disinterested burned in [her]_126-sarah cave of treasures as a lamp in [a Byzantine vault]_{4409-a byzantine vault} . It was just now , as happened , that for so fine a sense as [hers]_126-sarah a near view would have begun to pay . Within three days , precisely , the situation on which [he]_111-chad was to report had shown signs of an equilibrium ; the effect of [his]_111-chad look in at [the hotel]_{258-the hotel} was to confirm this appearance . If the equilibrium might only prevail ! [Sarah]_126-sarah was out with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , [Mamie]_97-mamie was out with [Chad]_111-chad , and [Jim]_118-jim was out alone . Later on indeed [he]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad was booked to [Jim]_118-jim , was to take [him]_111-chad that evening to [the Varieties]_{4411-the varieties} - which [Strether]_82-strether was careful to pronounce as [Jim]_118-jim pronounced [them]_{4411-the varieties} . [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} drank it in . "_[0-i] What then to - night do [the others]_{544-the others} do ? " "_{[544-the others]} Well , it has been arranged . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh takes [Sarah]_126-sarah to dine at [Bignons]_57-bignons . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} wondered . "_{[96-waymarsh]} And what do [they]_{544-the others} do after ? [They]_{544-the others} ca n't come straight [home]_2874-home . " "_{[544-the others]} No , [they]_{544-the others} ca n't come straight [home]_2874-home - at least [Sarah]_126-sarah ca n't . It 's [their]_{544-the others} secret , but [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i 've guessed it . " Then as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} waited : "_[0-i] The circus . " It made [her]_{99-miss gostrey} stare a moment longer , then laugh almost to extravagance . "_[0-i] There 's [no one]_{765-no one} like [you]_0-i ! " "_{[765-no one]} Like [ME]_0-i ? " - [he]_{114-mr. newsome} only wanted to understand . "_[0-i] Like all of [you]_1953-you together - like all of [us]_1954-we : [Woollett]_87-woollett , [Milrose]_104-milrose and [their]_{544-the others} products . [We]_1954-we 're abysmal - but may [we]_1954-we never be less so ! [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} , " [she]_0-i continued , "_{[114-mr. newsome]} meanwhile takes [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} - ? " "_{[175-miss pocock]} Precisely - to [the Francais]_{1330-the francais} : to see what [you]_0-i took [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh and [me]_0-i to , a family - bill . " "_[0-i] Ah then may [Mr. Chad]_111-chad enjoy it as [I]_0-i did ! " But [she]_0-i saw so much in things . "_[111-chad] Do [they]_{544-the others} spend [their]_{544-the others} evenings , [[your]_0-i young people]_{1956-your young people} , like that , alone together ? " "_[111-chad] Well , [they]_{544-the others} 're [young people]_{1957-young people} - but [they]_{544-the others} 're [old friends]_{1828-old friends} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see , [I]_0-i see . And do [THEY]_{544-the others} dine - for a difference - at [Brebant]_185-brebant 's ? " "_{[544-the others]} Oh where [they]_{544-the others} dine is [their]_{544-the others} secret too . But [I]_0-i 've [my]_0-i idea that it will be , very quietly , at [[Chad]_111-chad 's own place]_{1959-chad 's own place} . " "_[0-i] [She]_1960-she 'll come to [him]_111-chad there alone ? " [They]_{544-the others} looked at [each other]_{2864-each other} a moment . "_[1960-she] [He]_111-chad has known [her]_1960-she from [a child]_{2812-a child} . Besides , " said [Strether]_82-strether with emphasis , "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie 's remarkable . [She]_97-mamie 's splendid . " [She]_1960-she wondered . "_[97-mamie] Do [you]_111-chad mean [she]_1960-she expects to bring it off ? " "_[1960-she] Getting hold of [him]_111-chad ? No - [I]_0-i think not . " "_[0-i] [She]_1960-she does n't want [him]_111-chad enough ? - or does n't believe in [her]_1960-she power ? " On which as [he]_111-chad said nothing [she]_1960-she continued : "_[1960-she] [She]_1960-she finds [she]_1960-she does n't care for [him]_111-chad ? " "_[1960-she] No - [I]_0-i think [she]_1960-she finds [she]_1960-she does . But that 's what [I]_0-i mean by so describing [her]_1960-she . It 's IF [she]_1960-she does that [she]_1960-she 's splendid . But [we]_1962-we 'll see , " [he]_111-chad wound up , "_[1960-she] where [she]_1960-she comes out . " "_[1960-she] [You]_0-i seem to show [me]_0-i sufficiently , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} laughed , "_[0-i] where [she]_1960-she goes in ! But is [[her]_1960-she childhood 's friend]_{1963-her childhood 's friend} , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} asked , "_{[1963-her childhood 's friend]} permitting [himself]_{1963-her childhood 's friend} recklessly to flirt with [her]_1960-she ? " "_{[1963-her childhood 's friend]} No - not that . [Chad]_111-chad 's also splendid . [They]_1964-they 're ALL splendid ! " [he]_111-chad declared with a sudden strange sound of wistfulness and envy . "_[1964-they] [They]_1964-they 're at least [HAPPY]_155-happy . " "_[155-happy] [Happy]_155-happy ? " - it appeared , with [their]_1964-they various difficulties , to surprise [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[155-happy] Well - [I]_0-i seem to [myself]_0-i among [them]_1964-they the only one who is n't . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} demurred . "_[0-i] With [your]_0-i constant tribute to the ideal ? " [He]_111-chad had a laugh at [his]_111-chad tribute to the ideal , but [he]_111-chad explained after a moment [his]_111-chad impression . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mean [they]_1964-they 're living . [They]_1964-they 're rushing about . [I]_0-i 've already had [my]_0-i rushing . [I]_0-i 'm waiting . " "_[0-i] But are n't [you]_0-i , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} asked by way of cheer , "_[0-i] waiting with [ME]_0-i ? " [He]_111-chad looked at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} in all kindness . "_[0-i] Yes - if it were n't for that ! " "_[0-i] And [you]_0-i help [me]_0-i to wait , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said . "_[0-i] However , " [she]_0-i went on , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've really something for [you]_0-i that will help [you]_0-i to wait and which [you]_0-i shall have in a minute . Only there 's something more [I]_0-i want from [you]_0-i first . [I]_0-i revel in [Sarah]_126-sarah . " "_[0-i] So do [I.]_0-i If it were n't , " [he]_{1966-any man i ever saw} again amusedly sighed , "_[0-i] for THAT - ! " "_[0-i] Well , [you]_0-i owe more to [women]_350-women than [any man [I]_0-i ever saw]_{1966-any man i ever saw} . [We]_1967-we do seem to keep [you]_0-i going . Yet [Sarah]_126-sarah , as [I]_0-i see [her]_126-sarah , must be great . " "_[126-sarah] [She]_126-sarah IS " [Strether]_82-strether fully assented : "_[126-sarah] great ! Whatever happens , [she]_126-sarah wo n't , with these unforgettable days , have lived in vain . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} had a pause . "_[126-sarah] [You]_0-i mean [she]_126-sarah has fallen in love ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mean [she]_126-sarah wonders if [she]_126-sarah has n't - and it serves all [her]_126-sarah purpose . " "_[126-sarah] It has indeed , " [Maria]_97-mamie laughed , ' served [women]_350-women 's purposes before ! "_[126-sarah] " Yes - for giving in . But [I]_1968-i doubt if the idea - as an idea - has ever up to now answered so well for holding out . That 's [HER]_126-sarah tribute to the ideal - [we]_4414-we each have [our]_4414-we own . It 's [her]_126-sarah romance - and it seems to [me]_1968-i better on the whole than [mine]_1968-i . To have it in [Paris]_1-paris too , "_[1968-i] [he]_1968-i explained - " on this classic ground , in this charged infectious air , with so sudden an intensity : well , it 's more than [she]_126-sarah expected . [She]_126-sarah has had in short to recognise the breaking out for [her]_126-sarah of a real affinity - and with everything to enhance the drama . "_[1968-i] [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} followed . " [Jim]_118-jim for instance ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [Jim]_118-jim . [Jim]_118-jim hugely enhances . [Jim]_118-jim was made to enhance . And then [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . It 's the crowning touch - it supplies the colour . [He]_96-waymarsh 's positively separated . "_[126-sarah] " And [she]_126-sarah [herself]_126-sarah unfortunately is n't - that supplies the colour too . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} was all there . But somehow - ! " Is [HE]_96-waymarsh in love ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether looked at [her]_{99-miss gostrey} a long time ; then looked all about [the room]_{413-the room} ; then came a little nearer . " Will [you]_82-strether never tell any one in [the world]_{2804-the world} as long as ever [you]_82-strether live ? "_{[82-strether]} " Never . "_[126-sarah] It was charming . " [He]_96-waymarsh thinks [Sarah]_126-sarah really is . But [he]_96-waymarsh has no fear , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether hastened to add . " Of [her]_126-sarah being affected by it ? "_{[82-strether]} " Of [HIS]_96-waymarsh being . [He]_96-waymarsh likes it , but [he]_96-waymarsh knows [she]_126-sarah can hold out . [He]_96-waymarsh 's helping [her]_126-sarah , [he]_96-waymarsh 's floating [her]_126-sarah over , by kindness . "_{[82-strether]} [Maria]_97-mamie rather funnily considered it . " Floating [her]_126-sarah over in champagne ? The kindness of dining [her]_126-sarah , nose to nose , at the hour when all [Paris]_1-paris is crowding to profane delights , and in the - well , in [the great temple]_{4416-the great temple} , as [one]_2797-one hears of it , of pleasure ? "_[97-mamie] " That 's just IT , for [both of [them]_{3499-both of them}]_{3499-both of them} , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether insisted - " and all of a supreme innocence . [The Parisian place]_{4419-the parisian place} , the feverish hour , the putting before [her]_126-sarah of a hundred francs ' worth of food and drink , which [they]_{3499-both of them} 'll scarcely touch - all that 's [the dear man]_{1634-the dear man} 's own romance ; the expensive kind , expensive in francs and centimes , in which [he]_96-waymarsh abounds . And the circus afterwards - which is cheaper , but which [he]_96-waymarsh 'll find some means of making as dear as possible - that 's also [HIS]_96-waymarsh tribute to the ideal . It does for [him]_96-waymarsh . [He]_96-waymarsh 'll see [her]_126-sarah through . [They]_{3499-both of them} wo n't talk of anything worse than [you]_4421-you and [me]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [we]_{3499-both of them} 're bad enough perhaps , thank heaven , "_[1970-i] [she]_1970-i laughed , " to upset [them]_{3499-both of them} ! [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh at any rate is [a hideous old coquette]_{4422-a hideous old coquette} . "_[1970-i] And the next moment [she]_1970-i had dropped everything for a different pursuit . " What [you]_1971-you do n't appear to know is that [Jeanne de Vionnet]_150-jeanne has become engaged . [She]_150-jeanne 's to marry - it has been definitely arranged - young [Monsieur de Montbron]_{186-monsieur de montbron} . "_[1971-you] [He]_1971-you fairly blushed . " Then - if [you]_1971-you know it - it 's ' out ' ? "_[1971-you] " Do n't [I]_1970-i often know things that are NOT out ? However , "_[1970-i] [she]_1970-i said , " this will be out to - morrow . But [I]_1970-i see [I]_1970-i 've counted too much on [your]_1971-you possible ignorance . [You]_1971-you 've been before [me]_1970-i , and [I]_1970-i do n't make [you]_1971-you jump as [I]_1970-i hoped . "_[1970-i] [He]_1971-you gave a gasp at [her]_1970-i insight . " [You]_1971-you never fail ! [I]_1971-you 've HAD [my]_1971-you jump . [I]_1971-you had it when [I]_1971-you first heard . "_[1971-you] " Then if [you]_1971-you knew why did n't [you]_1971-you tell [me]_1971-you as soon as [you]_1971-you came in ? "_[1971-you] " Because [I]_{99-miss gostrey} had it from [her]_4423-her as a thing not yet to be spoken of . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} wondered . " From [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} [herself]_4423-her ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " As a probability - not quite a certainty : a good cause in which [Chad]_111-chad has been working . So [I]_1971-you 've waited . "_[1971-you] " [You]_1971-you need wait no longer , "_[1970-i] [she]_1970-i returned . " It reached [me]_1970-i yesterday - roundabout and accidental , but by [a person who had had it from [one of [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's own people]_{4425-one of the young man 's own people}]_{4424-a person who had had it from one of the young man 's own people} - as a thing quite settled . [I]_1970-i was only keeping it for [you]_1971-you . "_[1970-i] " [You]_1970-i thought [Chad]_111-chad would n't have told [me]_1970-i ? "_[1970-i] [She]_1970-i hesitated . " Well , if [he]_111-chad has n't - "_[1970-i] " [He]_111-chad has n't . And yet the thing appears to have been practically [his]_111-chad doing . So there [we]_4427-we are . "_[1971-you] " There [we]_4427-we are ! "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie candidly echoed . " That 's why [I]_1972-i jumped . [I]_1972-i jumped , "_[1972-i] [he]_1972-i continued to explain , " because it means , this disposition of [the daughter]_{610-the daughter} , that there 's now nothing else : nothing else but [him]_111-chad and [the mother]_{758-the mother} . "_[1972-i] " Still - it simplifies . "_[1971-you] " It simplifies "_[1972-i] - [he]_1972-i fully concurred . " But that 's precisely where [we]_4427-we are . It marks a stage in [his]_111-chad relation . The act is [his]_111-chad answer to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's demonstration . "_[1972-i] " [It]_4430-it tells , "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie asked , " the worst ? "_[97-mamie] " The worst . "_[1972-i] " But is the worst what [he]_111-chad wants [Sarah]_126-sarah to know ? "_[1972-i] " [He]_111-chad does n't care for [Sarah]_126-sarah . "_[97-mamie] At which [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} 's eyebrows went up . " [You]_1972-i mean [she]_126-sarah has already dished [herself]_126-sarah ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether took a turn about ; [he]_82-strether had thought it out again and again before this , to the end ; but the vista seemed each time longer . " [He]_111-chad wants [[his]_111-chad good friend]_{4431-his good friend} to know the best . [I]_1972-i mean the measure of [his]_111-chad attachment . [She]_126-sarah asked for a sign , and [he]_111-chad thought of that one . There it is . "_[1972-i] " A concession to [her]_126-sarah jealousy ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether pulled up . " Yes - call it that . Make it lurid - for that makes [my]_82-strether problem richer . "_{[82-strether]} " Certainly , let [us]_4432-us have it lurid - for [I]_1972-i quite agree with [you]_82-strether that [we]_4432-us want none of [our]_4432-us problems poor . But let [us]_4432-us also have it clear . Can [he]_111-chad , in the midst of such a preoccupation , or on the heels of it , have seriously cared for [Jeanne]_150-jeanne ? - cared , [I]_1972-i mean , as [a young man at liberty]_{4433-a young man at liberty} would have cared ? "_[1972-i] Well , [Strether]_82-strether had mastered it . " [I]_82-strether think [he]_111-chad can have thought it would be charming if [he]_111-chad COULD care . It would be nicer . "_{[82-strether]} " Nicer than being tied up to [Marie]_97-mamie ? "_[1972-i] " Yes - than the discomfort of an attachment to [a person [he]_111-chad can never hope , short of a catastrophe , to marry]_{4434-a person he can never hope , short of a catastrophe , to marry} . And [he]_111-chad was quite right , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . " It would certainly have been nicer . Even when a thing 's already nice there mostly is some other thing that would have been nicer - or as to which [we]_4432-us wonder if it would n't . But [his]_111-chad question was all the same a dream . [He]_111-chad COULDn't care in that way . [He]_111-chad IS tied up to [Marie]_97-mamie . The relation is too special and has gone too far . It 's the very basis , and [his]_111-chad recent lively contribution toward establishing [Jeanne]_150-jeanne in life has been [his]_111-chad definite and final acknowledgement to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} that [he]_111-chad has ceased squirming . [I]_82-strether doubt meanwhile , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether went on , " if [Sarah]_126-sarah has at all directly attacked [him]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} brooded . " But wo n't [he]_111-chad wish for [his]_111-chad own satisfaction to make [his]_111-chad ground good to [her]_126-sarah ? "_{[388-his companion]} " No - [he]_111-chad 'll leave it to [me]_82-strether , [he]_111-chad 'll leave everything to [me]_82-strether . [I]_82-strether ' sort of ' feel "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether worked it out - " that the whole thing will come upon [me]_82-strether . Yes , [I]_82-strether shall have every inch and every ounce of it . [I]_82-strether shall be USED for it - ! "_{[82-strether]} And [Strether]_82-strether lost [himself]_82-strether in the prospect . Then [he]_82-strether fancifully expressed the issue . " To the last drop of [my]_82-strether blood . "_{[82-strether]} [Maria]_97-mamie , however , roundly protested . " Ah [you]_82-strether 'll please keep a drop for [ME]_97-mamie . [I]_97-mamie shall have a use for it ! "_[97-mamie] - which [she]_97-mamie did n't however follow up . [She]_97-mamie had come back the next moment to another matter . " [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , with [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} brother]_{4203-her brother} , is trusting only to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} general charm ? "_[97-mamie] " So it would seem . "_{[82-strether]} " And the charm 's not working ? "_[97-mamie] Well , [Strether]_82-strether put it otherwise , " [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's sounding the note of [home]_2874-home - which is the very best thing [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} can do . "_{[82-strether]} " The best for [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[82-strether]} " The best for [home]_2874-home itself . The natural one ; the right one . "_{[82-strether]} " Right , "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie asked , " when it fails ? "_[97-mamie] [Strether]_82-strether had a pause . " The difficulty 's [Jim]_118-jim . [Jim]_118-jim 's the note of [home]_2874-home . "_[97-mamie] [She]_97-mamie debated . " [Ah]_4439-ah surely not the note of [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . "_[97-mamie] But [he]_1974-he had it all . " The note of [the home for which [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} wants [him]_1974-he]_{4440-the home for which mrs. newsome wants him} - [the home of the business]_{4441-the home of the business} . [Jim]_118-jim stands , with [his]_118-jim little legs apart , at the door of [THAT tent]_{4442-that tent} ; and [Jim]_118-jim is , frankly speaking , extremely awful . "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie stared . " And [you]_82-strether in , [you]_82-strether poor thing , for [your]_82-strether evening with [him]_1974-he ? "_[97-mamie] " Oh [he]_1974-he 's all right for [ME]_82-strether ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed . " [Any one]_{2912-any one} 's good enough for [ME]_82-strether . But [Sarah]_126-sarah should n't , all the same , have brought [him]_1974-he . [She]_126-sarah does n't appreciate [him]_1974-he . "_{[82-strether]} [[His]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} was amused with this statement of it . " Does n't know , [you]_82-strether mean , how bad [he]_1974-he is ? "_{[259-his friend]} [Strether]_82-strether shook [his]_82-strether head with decision . " Not really . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_97-mamie wondered . " Then does n't [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_{[82-strether]} It made [him]_82-strether frankly do the same . " Well , no - since [you]_82-strether ask [me]_97-mamie . "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie rubbed it in . " Not really either ? "_[97-mamie] " Not at all . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} rates [him]_1974-he rather high . "_[97-mamie] With which indeed , immediately , [he]_82-strether took [himself]_82-strether up . " Well , [he]_1974-he IS good too , in [his]_1974-he way . It depends on what [you]_82-strether want [him]_1974-he for . "_{[82-strether]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , however , would n't let it depend on anything - would n't have it , and would n't want [him]_82-strether , at any price . " It suits [my]_{99-miss gostrey} book , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said , " that [he]_1974-he should be impossible ; and it suits it still better , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} more imaginatively added , " that [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} does n't know [he]_1974-he is . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Strether]_82-strether , in consequence , had to take it from [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , but [he]_82-strether fell back on something else . " [I]_82-strether 'll tell [you]_{99-miss gostrey} who does really know . "_{[82-strether]} " [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh ? Never ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Never indeed . [I]_82-strether 'm not ALWAYS thinking of [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh ; in fact [I]_82-strether find now [I]_82-strether never am . "_{[82-strether]} Then [he]_82-strether mentioned [the person]_{628-the person} as if there were a good deal in it . " [Mamie]_97-mamie . "_{[82-strether]} " [[His]_96-waymarsh own sister]_{4444-his own sister} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Oddly enough it but let [her]_{99-miss gostrey} down . " What good will that do ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " None perhaps . But there - as usual - [we]_1977-we are ! "_{[82-strether]} III There [they]_1977-we were yet again , accordingly , for two days more ; when [Strether]_82-strether , on being , at [[Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's hotel]_{1978-mrs. pocock 's hotel} , ushered into [[that lady]_{3398-that lady} 's salon]_{1980-that lady 's salon} , found [himself]_82-strether at first assuming a mistake on the part of [the servant who had introduced [him]_82-strether and retired]_{1981-the servant who had introduced him and retired} . [The occupants]_{1982-the occupants} had n't come in , for [the room]_{413-the room} looked empty as only [a room]_{260-a room} can look in [Paris]_1-paris , of a fine afternoon when the faint murmur of the huge collective life , carried on out of doors , strays among scattered objects even as a summer air idles in [a lonely garden]_{1985-a lonely garden} . [[Our]_1986-our friend]_{235-our friend} looked about and hesitated ; observed , on the evidence of a table charged with purchases and other matters , that [Sarah]_126-sarah had become possessed - by no aid from [HIM]_82-strether - of the last number of the salmon - coloured Revue ; noted further that [Mamie]_97-mamie appeared to have received a present of [Fromentin]_{187-fromentin} 's " Maitres d'Autrefois "_[111-chad] from [Chad]_111-chad , who had written [her]_97-mamie name on the cover ; and pulled up at the sight of a heavy letter addressed in a hand [he]_82-strether knew . This letter , forwarded by [a banker]_{1988-a banker} and arriving in [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's absence , had been placed in evidence , and it drew from the fact of its being unopened a sudden queer power to intensify the reach of [its author]_{1989-its author} . It brought home to [him]_82-strether the scale on which [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} - for [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} had been copious indeed this time - was writing to [[her]_{88-mrs. newsome} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} while [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} kept [HIM]_82-strether in [durance]_58-durance ; and it had altogether such an effect upon [him]_82-strether as made [him]_82-strether for a few minutes stand still and breathe low . In [[his]_82-strether own room]_{414-his own room} , at [[his]_82-strether own hotel]_{1992-his own hotel} , [he]_82-strether had dozens of well - filled envelopes superscribed in that character ; and there was actually something in the renewal of [his]_82-strether interrupted vision of the character that played straight into the so frequent question of whether [he]_82-strether were n't already disinherited beyond appeal . It was such an assurance as the sharp downstrokes of [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} pen had n't yet had occasion to give [him]_82-strether ; but they somehow at the present crisis stood for a probable absoluteness in any decree of [the writer]_{1993-the writer} . [He]_82-strether looked at [Sarah]_126-sarah 's name and address , in short , as if [he]_82-strether had been looking hard into [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} 's face , and then turned from it as if the face had declined to relax . But since it was in a manner as if [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} were thereby all the more , instead of the less , in [the room]_{413-the room} , and were conscious , sharply and sorely conscious , of [himself]_82-strether , so [he]_82-strether felt both held and hushed , summoned to stay at least and take [his]_82-strether punishment . By staying , accordingly , [he]_82-strether took it - creeping softly and vaguely about and waiting for [Sarah]_126-sarah to come in . [She]_126-sarah WOULD come in if [he]_82-strether stayed long enough , and [he]_82-strether had now more than ever the sense of [her]_126-sarah success in leaving [him]_82-strether a prey to anxiety . It was n't to be denied that [she]_126-sarah had had a happy instinct , from the point of view of [Woollett]_87-woollett , in placing [him]_82-strether thus at the mercy of [her]_126-sarah own initiative . It was very well to try to say [he]_82-strether did n't care - that [she]_126-sarah might break ground when [she]_126-sarah would , might never break it at all if [she]_126-sarah would n't , and that [he]_82-strether had no confession whatever to wait upon [her]_126-sarah with : [he]_82-strether breathed from day to day an air that damnably required clearing , and there were moments when [he]_82-strether quite ached to precipitate that process . [He]_82-strether could n't doubt that , should [she]_126-sarah only oblige [him]_82-strether by surprising [him]_82-strether just as [he]_82-strether then was , a clarifying scene of some sort would result from the concussion . [He]_82-strether humbly circulated in this spirit till [he]_82-strether suddenly had a fresh arrest . Both the windows of [the room]_{413-the room} stood open to [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , but it was only now that , in the glass of the leaf of one of them , folded back , [he]_82-strether caught a reflexion quickly recognised as the colour of [a lady]_{579-a lady} 's dress . [Somebody]_{2913-somebody} had been then all the while on [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , and [the person]_{628-the person} , whoever it might be , was so placed between the windows as to be hidden from [him]_82-strether ; while on the other hand the many sounds of [the street]_{356-the street} had covered [his]_82-strether own entrance and movements . If [the person]_{628-the person} were [Sarah]_126-sarah [he]_82-strether might on the spot therefore be served to [his]_82-strether taste . [He]_82-strether might lead [her]_126-sarah by a move or two up to the remedy for [his]_82-strether vain tension ; as to which , should [he]_82-strether get nothing else from it , [he]_82-strether would at least have the relief of pulling down the roof on [their]_2004-their heads . There was fortunately [no one at hand]_{2005-no one at hand} to observe - in respect to [his]_82-strether valour - that even on this completed reasoning [he]_82-strether still hung fire . [He]_82-strether had been waiting for [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} and the sound of the oracle ; but [he]_82-strether had to gird [himself]_82-strether afresh - which [he]_82-strether did in the embrasure of the window , neither advancing nor retreating - before provoking the revelation . It was apparently for [Sarah]_126-sarah to come more into view ; [he]_82-strether was in that case there at [her]_126-sarah service . [She]_126-sarah did however , as meanwhile happened , come more into view ; only [she]_126-sarah luckily came at the last minute as a contradiction of [Sarah]_126-sarah . [The occupant of [the balcony]_{857-the balcony}]_{2006-the occupant of the balcony} was after all quite [another person]_{892-another person} , [a person]_{3307-a person} presented , on a second look , by a charming back and a slight shift of [her]_126-sarah position , as beautiful [brilliant unconscious Mamie]_97-mamie - [Mamie]_97-mamie alone at [home]_2874-home , [Mamie]_97-mamie passing [her]_97-mamie time in [her]_97-mamie own innocent way , [Mamie]_97-mamie in short rather shabbily used , but [Mamie]_97-mamie absorbed interested and interesting . With [her]_126-sarah arms on the balustrade and [her]_126-sarah attention dropped to [the street]_{356-the street} [she]_126-sarah allowed [Strether]_82-strether to watch [her]_126-sarah , to consider several things , without [her]_126-sarah turning round . But the oddity was that when [he]_82-strether HAD so watched and considered [he]_82-strether simply stepped back into [the room]_{413-the room} without following up [his]_82-strether advantage . [He]_82-strether revolved there again for several minutes , quite as with something new to think of and as if the bearings of the possibility of [Sarah]_126-sarah had been superseded . For frankly , yes , it HAD bearings thus to find [the girl]_{1155-the girl} in solitary possession . There was something in it that touched [him]_82-strether to a point not to have been reckoned beforehand , something that softly but quite pressingly spoke to [him]_82-strether , and that spoke the more each time [he]_82-strether paused again at the edge of [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} and saw [her]_{1155-the girl} still unaware . [[Her]_{1155-the girl} companions]_{2015-her companions} were plainly scattered ; [Sarah]_126-sarah would be off somewhere with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh and [Chad]_111-chad off somewhere with [Jim]_118-jim . [Strether]_82-strether did n't at all mentally impute to [Chad]_111-chad that [he]_82-strether was with [[his]_82-strether " good friend]_{4445-his " good friend} "_{[82-strether]} ; [he]_82-strether gave [him]_111-chad the benefit of supposing [him]_111-chad involved in appearances that , had [he]_82-strether had to describe them - for instance to [Maria]_97-mamie - [he]_82-strether would have conveniently qualified as more subtle . It came to [him]_82-strether indeed the next thing that there was perhaps almost an excess of refinement in having left [Mamie]_97-mamie in such weather up there alone ; however [she]_97-mamie might in fact have extemporised , under the charm of [the Rue de Rivoli]_{56-rue de rivoli} , a little makeshift [Paris]_1-paris of wonder arid fancy . [[Our]_2016-our friend]_{235-our friend} in any case now recognised - and it was as if at the recognition [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's fixed intensity had suddenly , with a deep audible gasp , grown thin and vague - that day after day [he]_82-strether had been conscious in respect to [[his]_82-strether young lady]_{2018-his young lady} of something odd and ambiguous , yet something into which [he]_82-strether could at last read a meaning . It had been at the most , this mystery , an obsession - oh an obsession agreeable ; and it had just now fallen into its place as at the touch of a spring . It had represented the possibility between [them]_2019-them of some communication baffled by accident and delay - the possibility even of some relation as yet unacknowledged . There was always [their]_2019-them old relation , the fruit of the Woollett years ; but that - and it was what was strangest - had nothing whatever in common with what was now in the air . As [a child]_{2812-a child} , as a " bud , "_{[2812-a child]} and then again as a flower of expansion , [Mamie]_97-mamie had bloomed for [him]_82-strether , freely , in the almost incessantly open doorways of [home]_2874-home ; where [he]_82-strether remembered [her]_97-mamie as first very forward , as then very backward - for [he]_82-strether had carried on at one period , in [[Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's parlours]_{3792-mrs. newsome 's parlours} oh [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's phases and [his]_82-strether own ! a course of English Literature re - enforced by exams and teas - and once more , finally , as very much in advance . But [he]_82-strether had kept no great sense of points of contact ; it not being in the nature of things at [Woollett]_87-woollett that the freshest of the buds should find [herself]_97-mamie in the same basket with the most withered of the winter apples . [The child]_{759-the child} had given sharpness , above all , to [his]_82-strether sense of the flight of time ; it was but the day before yesterday that [he]_82-strether had tripped up on [her]_{759-the child} hoop , yet [his]_82-strether experience of [remarkable women]_{2024-remarkable women} - destined , it would seem , remarkably to grow - felt itself ready this afternoon , quite braced itself , to include [her]_{759-the child} . [She]_{759-the child} had in fine more to say to [him]_82-strether than [he]_82-strether had ever dreamed [the pretty girl of the moment]_{2025-the pretty girl of the moment} COULD have ; and the proof of the circumstance was that , visibly , unmistakeably , [she]_{759-the child} had been able to say it to [no one else]_{2026-no one else} . It was something [she]_{759-the child} could mention neither to [[her]_{759-the child} brother]_{4203-her brother} , to [[her]_{759-the child} sister - in - law]_{2028-her sister - in - law} nor to [Chad]_111-chad ; though [he]_82-strether could just imagine that had [she]_{759-the child} still been at [home]_2874-home [she]_{759-the child} might have brought it out , as a supreme tribute to age , authority and attitude , for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . It was moreover something in which [they]_2030-they all took an interest ; the strength of [their]_2030-they interest was in truth just the reason of [her]_{759-the child} prudence . All this then , for five minutes , was vivid to [Strether]_82-strether , and it put before [him]_82-strether that , [poor child]_{2031-poor child} , [she]_{759-the child} had now but [her]_{759-the child} prudence to amuse [her]_{759-the child} . That , for [a pretty girl in [Paris]_1-paris]_{2032-a pretty girl in paris} , struck [him]_82-strether , with a rush , as a sorry state ; so that under the impression [he]_82-strether went out to [her]_{759-the child} with a step as hypocritically alert , [he]_82-strether was well aware , as if [he]_82-strether had just come into [the room]_{413-the room} . [She]_{759-the child} turned with a start at [his]_82-strether voice ; preoccupied with [him]_82-strether though [she]_{759-the child} might be , [she]_{759-the child} was just a scrap disappointed . " Oh [I]_{759-the child} thought [you]_82-strether were [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} ! "_{[759-the child]} The remark had been at first surprising and [[our]_2034-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's private thought , under the influence of it , temporarily blighted ; yet [we]_2034-our are able to add that [he]_82-strether presently recovered [his]_82-strether inward tone and that many a fresh flower of fancy was to bloom in the same air . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} - since [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} was , somewhat incongruously , expected - appeared behindhand ; a circumstance by which [Strether]_82-strether was to profit . [They]_2036-they came back into [the room]_{413-the room} together after a little , [the couple]_{2038-the couple} on [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , and amid [its]_{413-the room} crimson - and - gold elegance , with [the others]_{544-the others} still absent , [Strether]_82-strether passed forty minutes that [he]_82-strether appraised even at the time as far , in the whole queer connexion , from [his]_82-strether idlest . Yes indeed , since [he]_82-strether had the other day so agreed with [Maria]_97-mamie about the inspiration of the lurid , here was something for [his]_82-strether problem that surely did n't make it shrink and that was floated in upon [him]_82-strether as part of a sudden flood . [He]_82-strether was doubtless not to know till afterwards , on turning them over in thought , of how many elements [his]_82-strether impression was composed ; but [he]_82-strether none the less felt , as [he]_82-strether sat with [the charming girl]_{3696-the charming girl} , the signal growth of a confidence . For [she]_{3696-the charming girl} WAS charming , when all was said - and none the less so for the visible habit and practice of freedom and fluency . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} was charming , [he]_82-strether was aware , in spite of the fact that if [he]_82-strether had n't found [her]_{3696-the charming girl} so [he]_82-strether would have found [her]_{3696-the charming girl} something [he]_82-strether should have been in peril of expressing as " funny . "_{[3696-the charming girl]} Yes , [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was funny , wonderful [Mamie]_97-mamie , and without dreaming it ; [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was bland , [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was bridal - with never , that [he]_82-strether could make out as yet , [a bridegroom]_{2042-a bridegroom} to support it ; [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was handsome and portly and easy and chatty , soft and sweet and almost disconcertingly reassuring . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} was dressed , if [we]_2043-we might so far discriminate , less as [a young lady]_{2044-a young lady} than as [an old one]_{2045-an old one} - had [an old one]_{2045-an old one} been supposable to [Strether]_82-strether as so committed to vanity ; the complexities of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} hair missed moreover also the looseness of youth ; and [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had a mature manner of bending a little , as to encourage and reward , while [she]_{3696-the charming girl} held neatly together in front of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} a pair of strikingly polished hands : the combination of all of which kept up about [her]_{3696-the charming girl} the glamour of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} " receiving , "_{[3696-the charming girl]} placed [her]_{3696-the charming girl} again perpetually between the windows and within sound of the ice - cream plates , suggested the enumeration of all the names , all the [Mr. Brookses]_{188-mr. brookses} and [Mr. Snookses]_{189-mr. snookses} , gregarious specimens of a single type , [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was happy to " meet . "_{[3696-the charming girl]} But if all this was where [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was funny , and if what was funnier than the rest was the contrast between [her]_{3696-the charming girl} beautiful benevolent patronage - such a hint of the polysyllabic as might make [her]_{3696-the charming girl} something of a bore toward middle age - and [her]_{3696-the charming girl} rather flat little voice , the voice , naturally , unaffectedly yet , of [a girl of fifteen]_{2047-a girl of fifteen} ; so [Strether]_82-strether , none the less , at the end of ten minutes , felt in [her]_{3696-the charming girl} a quiet dignity that pulled things bravely together . If quiet dignity , almost more than matronly , with voluminous , too voluminous clothes , was the effect [she]_{3696-the charming girl} proposed to produce , that was an ideal [one]_2797-one could like in [her]_{3696-the charming girl} when once [one]_2797-one had got into relation . The great thing now for [[her]_{3696-the charming girl} visitor]_{1604-her visitor} was that this was exactly what [he]_82-strether had done ; it made so extraordinary a mixture of the brief and crowded hour . It was the mark of a relation that [he]_82-strether had begun so quickly to find [himself]_82-strether sure [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was , of [all people]_{2051-all people} , as might have been said , on the side and of [the party of [[Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's original ambassador]_{2053-mrs. newsome 's original ambassador}]_{2052-the party of mrs. newsome 's original ambassador} . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} was in [HIS]_82-strether interest and not in [Sarah]_126-sarah 's , and some sign of that was precisely what [he]_82-strether had been feeling in [her]_{3696-the charming girl} , these last days , as imminent . Finally placed , in [Paris]_1-paris , in immediate presence of the situation and of [the hero of it]_{2054-the hero of it} - by whom [Strether]_82-strether was incapable of meaning any one but [Chad]_111-chad - [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had accomplished , and really in a manner all unexpected to [herself]_{3696-the charming girl} , a change of base ; deep still things had come to pass within [her]_{3696-the charming girl} , and by the time [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had grown sure of [them]_2055-them [Strether]_82-strether had become aware of the little drama . When [she]_{3696-the charming girl} knew where [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was , in short , [he]_82-strether had made it out ; and [he]_82-strether made it out at present still better ; though with never a direct word passing between [them]_2056-they all the while on the subject of [his]_82-strether own predicament . There had been at first , as [he]_82-strether sat there with [her]_{3696-the charming girl} , a moment during which [he]_82-strether wondered if [she]_{3696-the charming girl} meant to break ground in respect to [his]_82-strether prime undertaking . That door stood so strangely ajar that [he]_82-strether was half - prepared to be conscious , at any juncture , of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} having , of [any one]_{2912-any one} 's having , quite bounced in . But , friendly , familiar , light of touch and happy of tact , [she]_{3696-the charming girl} exquisitely stayed out ; so that it was for all [the world]_{2804-the world} as if to show [she]_{3696-the charming girl} could deal with [him]_82-strether without being reduced to - well , scarcely anything . It fully came up for [them]_2056-they then , by means of [their]_2056-they talking of everything BUT [Chad]_111-chad , that [Mamie]_97-mamie , unlike [Sarah]_126-sarah , unlike [Jim]_118-jim , knew perfectly what had become of [him]_82-strether . It fully came up that [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had taken to the last fraction of an inch the measure of the change in [him]_82-strether , and that [she]_{3696-the charming girl} wanted [Strether]_82-strether to know what a secret [she]_{3696-the charming girl} proposed to make of it . [They]_2056-they talked most conveniently - as if [they]_2056-they had had no chance yet - about [Woollett]_87-woollett ; and that had virtually the effect of [their]_2056-they keeping the secret more close . The hour took on for [Strether]_82-strether , little by little , a queer sad sweetness of quality , [he]_82-strether had such a revulsion in [Mamie]_97-mamie 's favour and on behalf of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} social value as might have come from remorse at some early injustice . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} made [him]_82-strether , as under the breath of some vague western whiff , homesick and freshly restless ; [he]_82-strether could really for the time have fancied [himself]_82-strether stranded with [her]_{3696-the charming girl} on [a far shore]_{2059-a far shore} , during an ominous calm , in [a quaint community of shipwreck]_{2060-a quaint community of shipwreck} . [Their]_2056-they little interview was like a picnic on [a coral strand]_{2061-a coral strand} ; [they]_2056-they passed [each other]_{2864-each other} , with melancholy smiles and looks sufficiently allusive , such cupfuls of water as [they]_2056-they had saved . Especially sharp in [Strether]_82-strether meanwhile was the conviction that [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} really knew , as [we]_2064-we have hinted , where [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had come out . It was at a very particular place - only THAT [she]_{3696-the charming girl} would never tell [him]_82-strether ; it would be above all what [he]_82-strether should have to puzzle for [himself]_82-strether . This was what [he]_82-strether hoped for , because [his]_82-strether interest in [the girl]_{1155-the girl} would n't be complete without it . No more would the appreciation to which [she]_{3696-the charming girl} was entitled - so assured was [he]_82-strether that the more [he]_82-strether saw of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} process the more [he]_82-strether should see of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} pride . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} saw , [herself]_{3696-the charming girl} , everything ; but [she]_{3696-the charming girl} knew what [she]_{3696-the charming girl} did n't want , and that it was that had helped [her]_{3696-the charming girl} . What did n't [she]_{3696-the charming girl} want ? - there was a pleasure lost for [[her]_{3696-the charming girl} old friend]_{2066-her old friend} in not yet knowing , as there would doubtless be a thrill in getting a glimpse . Gently and sociably [she]_{3696-the charming girl} kept that dark to [him]_82-strether , and it was as if [she]_{3696-the charming girl} soothed and beguiled [him]_82-strether in other ways to make up for it . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} came out with [her]_{3696-the charming girl} impression of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - of whom [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had " heard so much "_{[3696-the charming girl]} ; [she]_{3696-the charming girl} came out with [her]_{3696-the charming girl} impression of [Jeanne]_150-jeanne , whom [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had been " dying to see "_{[3696-the charming girl]} : [she]_{3696-the charming girl} brought it out with a blandness by which [her]_{3696-the charming girl} auditor was really stirred that [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had been with [Sarah]_126-sarah early that very afternoon , and after dreadful delays caused by all sorts of things , mainly , eternally , by the purchase of clothes - clothes that unfortunately would n't be themselves eternal - to call in [the Rue de Bellechasse]_{3757-the rue de bellechasse} . At the sound of these names [Strether]_82-strether almost blushed to feel that [he]_82-strether could n't have sounded them first - and yet could n't either have justified [his]_82-strether squeamishness . [Mamie]_97-mamie made them easy as [he]_82-strether could n't have begun to do , and yet it could only have cost [her]_97-mamie more than [he]_82-strether should ever have had to spend . It was as friends of [Chad]_111-chad 's , [friends]_2897-friends special , distinguished , desirable , enviable , that [she]_{3696-the charming girl} spoke of [them]_2897-friends , and [she]_{3696-the charming girl} beautifully carried it off that much as [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had heard of [them]_2897-friends - though [she]_{3696-the charming girl} did n't say how or where , which was a touch of [her]_{3696-the charming girl} own - [she]_{3696-the charming girl} had found them beyond [her]_{3696-the charming girl} supposition . [She]_{3696-the charming girl} abounded in praise of [them]_2897-friends , and after the manner of [Woollett]_87-woollett - which made the manner of [Woollett]_87-woollett a loveable thing again to [Strether]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether had never so felt the true inwardness of it as when [[his]_82-strether blooming companion]_{2069-his blooming companion} pronounced [the elder of [the ladies of [the Rue de Bellechasse]_{3757-the rue de bellechasse}]_{2071-the ladies of the rue de bellechasse}]_{2070-the elder of the ladies of the rue de bellechasse} too fascinating for words and declared of [the younger]_{2073-the younger} that [she]_{2069-his blooming companion} was perfectly ideal , [a real little monster of charm]_{2074-a real little monster of charm} . " Nothing , "_{[3696-the charming girl]} [she]_{3696-the charming girl} said of [Jeanne]_150-jeanne , " ought ever to happen to [her]_150-jeanne - [she]_150-jeanne 's so awfully right as [she]_150-jeanne is . Another touch will spoil [her]_150-jeanne - so [she]_150-jeanne ought n't to BE touched . "_{[3696-the charming girl]} " Ah but things , here in [Paris]_1-paris , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether observed , " do happen to [little girls]_{3825-little girls} . "_{[3696-the charming girl]} And then for the joke 's and the occasion 's sake : " Have n't [you]_97-mamie found that [yourself]_97-mamie ? "_{[82-strether]} " That things happen - ? Oh [I]_97-mamie 'm not [a little girl]_{4447-a little girl} . [I]_97-mamie 'm [a big battered blowsy one]_{4448-a big battered blowsy one} . [I]_97-mamie do n't care , "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie laughed , " WHAT happens . "_[97-mamie] [Strether]_82-strether had a pause while [he]_82-strether wondered if it might n't happen that [he]_82-strether should give [her]_97-mamie the pleasure of learning that [he]_82-strether found [her]_97-mamie nicer than [he]_82-strether had really dreamed - a pause that ended when [he]_82-strether had said to [himself]_82-strether that , so far as it at all mattered for [her]_97-mamie , [she]_97-mamie had in fact perhaps already made this out . [He]_82-strether risked accordingly a different question - though conscious , as soon as [he]_82-strether had spoken , that [he]_82-strether seemed to place it in relation to [her]_97-mamie last speech . " But that [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} is to be married - [I]_82-strether suppose [you]_97-mamie 've heard of THAT . "_{[82-strether]} For all , [he]_82-strether then found , [he]_82-strether need fear ! " Dear , yes ; [the gentleman]_{3189-the gentleman} was there : [Monsieur de Montbron]_{186-monsieur de montbron} , whom [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} presented to [us]_4450-us . "_{[82-strether]} " And was [he]_{186-monsieur de montbron} nice ? "_[97-mamie] [Mamie]_97-mamie bloomed and bridled with [her]_97-mamie best reception manner . " [Any man]_{4168-any man} 's nice when [he]_{4168-any man} 's in love . "_[97-mamie] It made [Strether]_82-strether laugh . " But is [Monsieur de Montbron]_{186-monsieur de montbron} in love - already - with [YOU]_97-mamie ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh that 's not necessary - it 's so much better [he]_{186-monsieur de montbron} should be so with [HER]_{85-madame de vionnet} : which , thank goodness , [I]_82-strether lost no time in discovering for [myself]_82-strether . [He]_{186-monsieur de montbron} 's perfectly gone - and [I]_82-strether could n't have borne it for [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} if [he]_{186-monsieur de montbron} had n't been . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's just too sweet . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " And through being in love too ? "_{[82-strether]} On which with a smile that struck [him]_82-strether as wonderful [Mamie]_97-mamie had a wonderful answer . " [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} does n't know if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} is or not . "_[97-mamie] It made [him]_82-strether again laugh out . " Oh but [YOU]_82-strether do ! "_{[82-strether]} [She]_97-mamie was willing to take it that way . " Oh yes , [I]_97-mamie know everything . "_[97-mamie] And as [she]_97-mamie sat there rubbing [her]_97-mamie polished hands and making the best of it - only holding [her]_97-mamie elbows perhaps a little too much out - the momentary effect for [Strether]_82-strether was that [every one else]_{1161-every one else} , in all [their]_2076-their affair , seemed stupid . " Know that poor little [Jeanne]_150-jeanne does n't know what 's the matter with [her]_97-mamie ? "_[2076-their] It was as near as [they]_2076-their came to saying that [she]_97-mamie was probably in love with [Chad]_111-chad ; but it was quite near enough for what [Strether]_82-strether wanted ; which was to be confirmed in [his]_82-strether certitude that , whether in love or not , [she]_97-mamie appealed to something large and easy in [the girl before [him]_82-strether]_{2077-the girl before him} . [Mamie]_97-mamie would be fat , too fat , at thirty ; but [she]_97-mamie would always be [the person who , at the present sharp hour , had been disinterestedly tender]_{2078-the person who , at the present sharp hour , had been disinterestedly tender} . " If [I]_97-mamie see a little more of [her]_97-mamie , as [I]_97-mamie hope [I]_97-mamie shall , [I]_97-mamie think [she]_97-mamie 'll like [me]_97-mamie enough - for [she]_97-mamie seemed to like [me]_97-mamie to - day - to want [me]_97-mamie to tell [her]_97-mamie . "_[97-mamie] " And SHALL [you]_97-mamie ? "_[97-mamie] " Perfectly . [I]_97-mamie shall tell [her]_97-mamie the matter with [her]_97-mamie is that [she]_97-mamie wants only too much to do right . To do right for [her]_97-mamie , naturally , "_[97-mamie] said [Mamie]_97-mamie , " is to please . "_[97-mamie] " [[Her]_97-mamie mother]_{3347-her mother} , do [you]_97-mamie mean ? "_[97-mamie] " [[Her]_97-mamie mother]_{3347-her mother} first . "_[97-mamie] [Strether]_82-strether waited . " And then ? "_[97-mamie] " Well , ' then ' - [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} . "_[97-mamie] There was something really grand for [him]_82-strether in the serenity of this reference . " And last only [Monsieur de Montbron]_{186-monsieur de montbron} ? "_{[82-strether]} " Last only "_[97-mamie] - [she]_97-mamie good - humouredly kept it up . [Strether]_82-strether considered . " So that [every one after all then]_{4454-every one after all then} will be suited ? "_{[82-strether]} [She]_97-mamie had one of [her]_97-mamie few hesitations , but it was a question only of a moment ; and it was [her]_97-mamie nearest approach to being explicit with [him]_82-strether about what was between [them]_2079-them . " [I]_2080-i think [I]_2080-i can speak for [myself]_2080-i . [I]_2080-i shall be . "_[2080-i] [It]_2080-i said indeed so much , told such a story of [her]_97-mamie being ready to help [him]_82-strether , so committed to [him]_82-strether that truth , in short , for such use as [he]_82-strether might make of it toward those ends of [his]_82-strether own with which , patiently and trustfully , [she]_97-mamie had nothing to do - it so fully achieved all this that [he]_82-strether appeared to [himself]_82-strether simply to meet it in its own spirit by the last frankness of admiration . Admiration was of itself almost accusatory , but nothing less would serve to show [her]_97-mamie how nearly [he]_82-strether understood . [He]_82-strether put out [his]_82-strether hand for good - bye with a " Splendid , splendid , splendid ! "_{[82-strether]} And [he]_82-strether left [her]_97-mamie , in [her]_97-mamie splendour , still waiting for [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} . Book Tenth [I]_0-i [Strether]_82-strether occupied beside [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , three evenings after [his]_82-strether interview with [Mamie Pocock]_100-mamie , the same deep divan [they]_2081-they had enjoyed together on the first occasion of [[our]_2082-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's meeting [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} and [[her]_{85-madame de vionnet} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} in [the apartment of [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes}]_{2085-the apartment of the boulevard malesherbes} , where [his]_82-strether position affirmed itself again as ministering to an easy exchange of impressions . The present evening had a different stamp ; if the company was much more numerous , so , inevitably , were the ideas set in motion . It was on the other hand , however , now strongly marked that [the talkers]_{2087-the talkers} moved , in respect to such matters , round an inner , a protected circle . [They]_{2087-the talkers} knew at any rate what really concerned [them]_{2087-the talkers} to - night , and [Strether]_82-strether had begun by keeping [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} close to it . Only [a few of [[Chad]_111-chad 's guests]_{2090-chad 's guests}]_{2089-a few of chad 's guests} had dined - that is fifteen or twenty , a few compared with the large concourse offered to sight by eleven o'clock ; but number and mass , quantity and quality , light , fragrance , sound , the overflow of hospitality meeting the high tide of response , had all from the first pressed upon [Strether]_82-strether 's consciousness , and [he]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether somehow part and parcel of the most festive scene , as the term was , in which [he]_82-strether had ever in [his]_82-strether life been engaged . [He]_82-strether had perhaps seen , on Fourths of July and on dear old domestic Commencements , [more people assembled]_{2091-more people assembled} , but [he]_82-strether had never seen so many in proportion to the space , or had at all events never known so great a promiscuity to show so markedly as picked . Numerous as was [the company]_{2092-the company} , it had still been made so by selection , and what was above all rare for [Strether]_82-strether was that , by no fault of [his]_82-strether own , [he]_82-strether was in the secret of the principle that had worked . [He]_82-strether had n't enquired , [he]_82-strether had averted [his]_82-strether head , but [Chad]_111-chad had put [him]_82-strether a pair of questions that themselves smoothed the ground . [He]_82-strether had n't answered the questions , [he]_82-strether had replied that they were [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's own affair ; and [he]_82-strether had then seen perfectly that [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's direction was already settled . [Chad]_111-chad had applied for counsel only by way of intimating that [he]_111-chad knew what to do ; and [he]_111-chad had clearly never known it better than in now presenting to [[his]_111-chad sister]_{4135-his sister} [the whole circle of [[his]_111-chad society]_{1817-his society}]_{2096-the whole circle of his society} . This was all in the sense and the spirit of the note struck by [him]_111-chad on [that lady]_{3398-that lady} 's arrival ; [he]_111-chad had taken at [the station]_{1297-the station} itself a line that led [him]_111-chad without a break , and that enabled [him]_111-chad to lead [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} - though dazed a little , no doubt , breathless , no doubt , and bewildered - to the uttermost end of the passage accepted by [them]_2100-they perforce as pleasant . [He]_111-chad had made it for [them]_2100-they violently pleasant and mercilessly full ; the upshot of which was , to [Strether]_82-strether 's vision , that [they]_2100-they had come all the way without discovering it to be really [no passage]_{2101-no passage} at all . It was [a brave blind alley]_{2102-a brave blind alley} , where to pass was impossible and where , unless [they]_2100-they stuck fast , [they]_2100-they would have - which was always awkward - publicly to back out . [They]_2100-they were touching bottom assuredly tonight ; the whole scene represented the terminus of [the cul - de - sac]_{2103-the cul - de - sac} . So could things go when there was a hand to keep them consistent - a hand that pulled the wire with a skill at which [the elder man]_{2104-the elder man} more and more marvelled . [The elder man]_{2104-the elder man} felt responsible , but [he]_{2104-the elder man} also felt successful , since what had taken place was simply the issue of [his]_{2104-the elder man} own contention , six weeks before , that [they]_2100-they properly should wait to see what [[their]_2100-they friends]_{2106-their friends} would have really to say . [He]_111-chad had determined [Chad]_111-chad to wait , [he]_111-chad had determined [him]_111-chad to see ; [he]_111-chad was therefore not to quarrel with the time given up to the business . As much as ever , accordingly , now that a fortnight had elapsed , the situation created for [Sarah]_126-sarah , and against which [she]_126-sarah had raised no protest , was that of [her]_126-sarah having accommodated [herself]_126-sarah to [her]_126-sarah adventure as to a pleasure - party surrendered perhaps even somewhat in excess to bustle and to " pace . "_{[4203-her brother]} If [[her]_126-sarah brother]_{4203-her brother} had been at any point the least bit open to criticism it might have been on the ground of [his]_{4203-her brother} spicing the draught too highly and pouring the cup too full . Frankly treating the whole occasion of the presence of [[his]_{4203-her brother} relatives]_{1684-his relatives} as an opportunity for amusement , [he]_{4203-her brother} left it , no doubt , but scant margin as an opportunity for anything else . [He]_{4203-her brother} suggested , invented , abounded - yet all the while with the loosest easiest rein . [Strether]_82-strether , during [his]_82-strether own weeks , had gained a sense of knowing [Paris]_1-paris ; but [he]_82-strether saw it afresh , and with fresh emotion , in the form of the knowledge offered to [[his]_82-strether colleague]_{2109-his colleague} . A thousand unuttered thoughts hummed for [him]_82-strether in the air of these observations ; not the least frequent of which was that [Sarah]_126-sarah might well of a truth not quite know whither [she]_126-sarah was drifting . [She]_126-sarah was in no position not to appear to expect that [Chad]_111-chad should treat [her]_126-sarah handsomely ; yet [she]_126-sarah struck [[our]_2110-our friend]_{235-our friend} as privately stiffening a little each time [she]_126-sarah missed the chance of marking the great nuance . The great nuance was in brief that of course [[her]_126-sarah brother]_{4203-her brother} must treat [her]_126-sarah handsomely - [she]_126-sarah should like to see [him]_{4203-her brother} not ; but that treating [her]_126-sarah handsomely , none the less , was n't all in all - treating [her]_126-sarah handsomely buttered no parsnips ; and that in fine there were moments when [she]_126-sarah felt the fixed eyes of [[their]_2113-their admirable absent mother]_{2114-their admirable absent mother} fairly screw into the flat of [her]_126-sarah back . [Strether]_82-strether , watching , after [his]_82-strether habit , and overscoring with thought , positively had moments of [his]_82-strether own in which [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether sorry for [her]_126-sarah - occasions on which [she]_126-sarah affected [him]_82-strether as [a person seated in [a runaway vehicle]_{2116-a runaway vehicle} and turning over the question of a possible jump]_{2115-a person seated in a runaway vehicle and turning over the question of a possible jump} . WOULD [she]_126-sarah jump , could [she]_126-sarah , would THAT be a safe placed - this question , at such instants , sat for [him]_82-strether in [her]_126-sarah lapse into pallor , [her]_126-sarah tight lips , [her]_126-sarah conscious eyes . It came back to the main point at issue : would [she]_126-sarah be , after all , to be squared ? [He]_82-strether believed on the whole [she]_126-sarah would jump ; yet [his]_82-strether alternations on this subject were the more especial stuff of [his]_82-strether suspense . One thing remained well before [him]_82-strether - a conviction that was in fact to gain sharpness from the impressions of this evening : that if [she]_126-sarah SHOULD gather in [her]_126-sarah skirts , close [her]_126-sarah eyes and quit [the carriage]_{2117-the carriage} while in motion , [he]_82-strether would promptly enough become aware . [She]_126-sarah would alight from [her]_126-sarah headlong course more or less directly upon [him]_82-strether ; it would be appointed to [him]_82-strether , unquestionably , to receive [her]_126-sarah entire weight . Signs and portents of the experience thus in reserve for [him]_82-strether had as it happened , multiplied even through the dazzle of [Chad]_111-chad 's party . It was partly under the nervous consciousness of such a prospect that , leaving almost every one in [the two other rooms]_{2118-the two other rooms} , leaving those of [the guests]_{2119-the guests} already known to [him]_82-strether as well as a mass of [brilliant strangers of both sexes and of several varieties of speech]_{2120-brilliant strangers of both sexes and of several varieties of speech} , [he]_82-strether had desired five quiet minutes with [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , whom [he]_82-strether always found soothing and even a little inspiring , and to whom [he]_82-strether had actually moreover something distinct and important to say . [He]_82-strether had felt of old - for it already seemed long ago - rather humiliated at discovering [he]_82-strether could learn in talk with [a personage so much [his]_82-strether junior]_{2121-a personage so much his junior} the lesson of a certain moral ease ; but [he]_82-strether had now got used to that - whether or no the mixture of the fact with other humiliations had made it indistinct , whether or no directly from [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's example , the example of [his]_82-strether being contentedly just the obscure and acute little [Bilham]_{83-little bilham} [he]_82-strether was . It worked so for [him]_82-strether , [Strether]_82-strether seemed to see ; and [[our]_2122-our friend]_{235-our friend} had at private hours a wan smile over the fact that [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , after so many more years , was still in search of something that would work . However , as [we]_2122-our have said , it worked just now for [them]_2124-their equally to have found a corner a little apart . What particularly kept it apart was the circumstance that the music in [the salon]_{2125-the salon} was admirable , with [two or three such singers]_{2126-two or three such singers} as it was a privilege to hear in private . [Their]_2124-their presence gave a distinction to [Chad]_111-chad 's entertainment , and the interest of calculating [their]_2124-their effect on [Sarah]_126-sarah was actually so sharp as to be almost painful . Unmistakeably , in [[her]_126-sarah single person]_{2127-her single person} , the motive of the composition and dressed in a splendour of crimson which affected [Strether]_82-strether as the sound of a fall through a skylight , [she]_126-sarah would now be in the forefront of the listening circle and committed by it up to [her]_126-sarah eyes . Those eyes during the wonderful dinner itself [he]_82-strether had n't once met ; having confessedly - perhaps a little pusillanimously - arranged with [Chad]_111-chad that [he]_82-strether should be on the same side of the table . But there was no use in having arrived now with [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} at an unprecedented point of intimacy unless [he]_82-strether could pitch everything into the pot . " [You]_82-strether who sat where [you]_82-strether could see [her]_126-sarah , what does [she]_126-sarah make of it all ? By which [I]_82-strether mean on what terms does [she]_126-sarah take it ? "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [she]_126-sarah takes it , [I]_82-strether judge , as proving that the claim of [[his]_111-chad family]_{2993-his family} is more than ever justified . "_{[82-strether]} " [She]_126-sarah is n't then pleased with what [he]_111-chad has to show ? "_{[82-strether]} " On the contrary ; [she]_126-sarah 's pleased with it as with [his]_111-chad capacity to do this kind of thing - more than [she]_126-sarah has been pleased with anything for a long time . But [she]_126-sarah wants [him]_111-chad to show it THERE . [He]_111-chad has no right to waste it on the likes of [us]_4456-us . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether wondered . " [She]_126-sarah wants [him]_111-chad to move the whole thing over ? "_{[82-strether]} " The whole thing - with an important exception . Everything [he]_111-chad has ' picked up ' - and the way [he]_111-chad knows how . [She]_126-sarah sees no difficulty in that . [She]_126-sarah 'd run the show [herself]_126-sarah , and [she]_126-sarah 'll make the handsome concession that [Woollett]_87-woollett would be on the whole in some ways the better for it . Not that it would n't be also in some ways the better for [Woollett]_87-woollett . [The people there]_{4457-the people there} are just as good . "_{[82-strether]} " Just as good as [you]_82-strether and [these others]_{4458-these others} ? Ah that may be . But such an occasion as this , whether or no , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether said , " is n't [the people]_{1142-the people} . It 's what has made [the people]_{1142-the people} possible . "_{[82-strether]} " Well then , "_{[259-his friend]} [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} replied , " there [you]_82-strether are ; [I]_{259-his friend} give [you]_82-strether [my]_{259-his friend} impression for what it 's worth . [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} has SEEN , and that 's to - night how [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} sits there . If [you]_82-strether were to have a glimpse of [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} face [you]_82-strether 'd understand [me]_{259-his friend} . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} has made up [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} mind - to the sound of expensive music . "_{[259-his friend]} [Strether]_82-strether took it freely in . " Ah then [I]_82-strether shall have news of [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_{83-little bilham} do n't want to frighten [you]_82-strether , but [I]_{83-little bilham} think that likely . However , "_{[83-little bilham]} [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} continued , " if [I]_{83-little bilham} 'm of the least use to [you]_82-strether to hold on by - ! "_{[83-little bilham]} " [You]_82-strether 're not of the least ! "_{[83-little bilham]} - and [Strether]_82-strether laid an appreciative hand on [him]_{83-little bilham} to say it . " [No one]_{765-no one} 's of the least . "_{[82-strether]} With which , to mark how gaily [he]_82-strether could take it , [he]_82-strether patted [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's knee . " [I]_82-strether must meet [my]_82-strether fate alone , and [I]_82-strether SHALL - oh [you]_{388-his companion} 'll see ! And yet , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether pursued the next moment , " [you]_{388-his companion} CAN help [me]_82-strether too . [You]_{388-his companion} once said to [me]_82-strether "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether followed this further - " that [you]_{388-his companion} held [Chad]_111-chad should marry . [I]_82-strether did n't see then so well as [I]_82-strether know now that [you]_{388-his companion} meant [he]_111-chad should marry [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} . Do [you]_{388-his companion} still consider that [he]_111-chad should ? Because if [you]_{388-his companion} do "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether kept it up - " [I]_82-strether want [you]_{388-his companion} immediately to change [your]_{388-his companion} mind . [You]_{388-his companion} can help [me]_82-strether that way . "_{[82-strether]} " Help [you]_{388-his companion} by thinking [he]_111-chad should NOT marry ? "_{[82-strether]} " Not marry at all events [Mamie]_100-mamie . "_{[82-strether]} " And who then ? "_{[82-strether]} " Ah , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether returned , " that [I]_82-strether 'm not obliged to say . But [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - [I]_82-strether suggest - when [he]_111-chad can . ' "_{[82-strether]} Oh ! " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} with some sharpness . "_{[82-strether]} Oh precisely ! But [he]_2130-he need n't marry at all - [I]_0-i 'm at any rate not obliged to provide for it . Whereas in [your]_2131-you case [I]_0-i rather feel that [I]_0-i AM . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} was amused . "_[0-i] Obliged to provide for [my]_0-i marrying ? " "_[0-i] Yes - after all [I]_0-i 've done to [you]_2131-you ! " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} weighed it . "_[2131-you] Have [you]_2131-you done as much as that ? " "_[2131-you] Well , " said [Strether]_82-strether , thus challenged , "_[2131-you] of course [I]_0-i must remember what [you]_2131-you 've also done to [ME]_0-i . [We]_2132-we may perhaps call it square . But all the same , " [he]_82-strether went on , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish awfully [you]_2131-you 'd marry [Mamie Pocock]_100-mamie [yourself]_2131-you . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} laughed out . "_[2131-you] Why it was only the other night , in [this very place]_{2133-this very place} , that [you]_0-i were proposing to [me]_0-i a different union altogether . " "_[0-i] [Mademoiselle de Vionnet]_{154-mademoiselle de vionnet} ? " Well , [Strether]_82-strether easily confessed it . "_[0-i] That , [I]_0-i admit , was a vain image . THIS is practical politics . [I]_0-i want to do something good for both of [you]_2134-you - [I]_0-i wish [you]_2134-you each so well ; and [you]_2134-you can see in a moment the trouble it will save [me]_0-i to polish [you]_2134-you off by the same stroke . [She]_100-mamie likes [you]_2134-you , [you]_2134-you know . [You]_2134-you console [her]_100-mamie . And [she]_100-mamie 's splendid . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} stared as a delicate appetite stares at an overheaped plate . "_[100-mamie] What do [I]_0-i console [her]_100-mamie for ? " It just made [[his]_{83-little bilham} friend]_{259-his friend} impatient . "_[0-i] Oh come , [you]_0-i knows " "_[0-i] And what proves for [you]_0-i that [she]_100-mamie likes [me]_0-i ? " "_[100-mamie] Why the fact that [I]_0-i found [her]_100-mamie three days ago stopping at [home]_2874-home alone all the golden afternoon on the mere chance that [you]_0-i 'd come to [her]_100-mamie , and hanging over [her]_100-mamie balcony on that of seeing [[your]_0-i cab]_{2136-your cab} drive up . [I]_0-i do n't know what [you]_0-i want more . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} after a moment found it . "_[0-i] Only just to know what proves to [you]_0-i that [I]_0-i like [HER]_100-mamie . " "_[0-i] Oh if what [I]_0-i 've just mentioned is n't enough to make [you]_0-i do it , [you]_0-i 're [a stony - hearted little fiend]_{2137-a stony - hearted little fiend} . Besides " - [Strether]_82-strether encouraged [his]_82-strether fancy 's flight - "_[0-i] [you]_0-i showed [your]_0-i inclination in the way [you]_0-i kept [her]_100-mamie waiting , kept [her]_100-mamie on purpose to see if [she]_100-mamie cared enough for [you]_0-i . " [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} paid [his]_82-strether ingenuity the deference of a pause . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did n't keep [her]_100-mamie waiting . [I]_0-i came at the hour . [I]_0-i would n't have kept [her]_100-mamie waiting for [the world]_{2804-the world} , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} honourably declared . "_[0-i] Better still - then there [you]_0-i are ! " And [Strether]_82-strether , charmed , held [him]_{2833-the young man} the faster . "_[0-i] Even if [you]_0-i did n't do [her]_100-mamie justice , moreover , " [he]_82-strether continued , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should insist on [your]_0-i immediately coming round to it . [I]_0-i want awfully to have worked it . [I]_0-i want " - and [[our]_4466-our friend]_{235-our friend} spoke now with a yearning that was really earnest - "_[0-i] at least to have done THAT . " "_[0-i] To have married [me]_0-i off - without a penny ? " "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i sha n't live long ; and [I]_0-i give [you]_0-i [my]_0-i word , now and here , that [I]_0-i 'll leave [you]_0-i every penny of [my]_0-i own . [I]_0-i have n't many , unfortunately , but [you]_0-i shall have them all . And [Miss Pocock]_{175-miss pocock} , [I]_0-i think , has a few . [I]_0-i want , " [Strether]_82-strether went on , "_[0-i] to have been at least to that extent constructive even expiatory . [I]_0-i 've been sacrificing so to [strange gods]_{2139-strange gods} that [I]_0-i feel [I]_0-i want to put on record , somehow , [my]_0-i fidelity - fundamentally unchanged after all - to [our]_2140-our own . [I]_0-i feel as if [my]_0-i hands were embrued with the blood of monstrous alien altars - of another faith altogether . There it is - it 's done . " And then [he]_82-strether further explained . "_[0-i] It took hold of [me]_0-i because the idea of getting [her]_{175-miss pocock} quite out of the way for [Chad]_111-chad helps to clear [my]_0-i ground . " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} , at this , bounced about , and it brought [them]_2140-our face to face in admitted amusement . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i want [me]_0-i to marry as a convenience to [Chad]_111-chad ? " "_[0-i] No , " [Strether]_82-strether debated - "_[0-i] [HE]_111-chad does n't care whether [you]_0-i marry or not . It 's as a convenience simply to [my]_0-i own plan FOR [him]_111-chad . " "_[111-chad] ' Simply ' ! " - and [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's concurrence was in itself a lively comment . "_[111-chad] Thank [you]_0-i . But [I]_0-i thought , " [he]_82-strether continued , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i had exactly NO plan ' for ' [him]_111-chad . " "_[0-i] Well then call it [my]_0-i plan for [myself]_0-i - which may be well , as [you]_0-i say , to have none . [His]_111-chad situation , do n't [you]_0-i see ? is reduced now to the bare facts [one]_2797-one has to recognise . [Mamie]_100-mamie does n't want [him]_111-chad , and [he]_111-chad does n't want [Mamie]_100-mamie : so much as that these days have made clear . It 's a thread [we]_2142-we can wind up and tuck in . " But [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} still questioned . "_[0-i] [YOU]_0-i can - since [you]_0-i seem so much to want to . But why should [I]_0-i ? " [Poor Strether]_82-strether thought it over , but was obliged of course to admit that [his]_82-strether demonstration did superficially fail . "_[0-i] Seriously , there is no reason . It 's [my]_0-i affair - [I]_0-i must do it alone . [I]_0-i 've only [my]_0-i fantastic need of making [my]_0-i dose stiff . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} wondered . "_[0-i] What do [you]_0-i call [your]_0-i dose ? " "_[0-i] Why what [I]_0-i have to swallow . [I]_0-i want [my]_0-i conditions unmitigated . " [He]_82-strether had spoken in the tone of talk for talk 's sake , and yet with an obscure truth lurking in the loose folds ; a circumstance presently not without its effect on [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's eyes rested on [him]_82-strether a moment with some intensity ; then suddenly , as if everything had cleared up , [he]_{83-little bilham} gave a happy laugh . It seemed to say that if pretending , or even trying , or still even hoping , to be able to care for [Mamie]_100-mamie would be of use , [he]_{83-little bilham} was all there for the job . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll do anything in [the world]_{2804-the world} for [you]_0-i ! " "_[0-i] Well , " [Strether]_82-strether smiled , "_[0-i] anything in [the world]_{2804-the world} is all [I]_0-i want . [I]_0-i do n't know anything that pleased [me]_0-i in [her]_2145-she more , " [he]_82-strether went on , "_[0-i] than the way that , on [my]_0-i finding [her]_2145-she up there all alone , coming on [her]_2145-she unawares and feeling greatly for [her]_2145-she being so out of it , [she]_2145-she knocked down [[my]_0-i tall house of cards]_{2146-my tall house of cards} with [her]_2145-she instant and cheerful allusion to [the next young man]_{2147-the next young man} . It was somehow so the note [I]_0-i needed - [her]_2145-she staying at [home]_2874-home to receive [him]_{2147-the next young man} . " "_[111-chad] It was [Chad]_111-chad of course , " said [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , "_[111-chad] who asked [the next young man]_{2147-the next young man} - [I]_0-i like [your]_{2147-the next young man} name for [me]_0-i ! - to call . " "_{[2147-the next young man]} So [I]_0-i supposed - all of which , thank [God]_184-god , is in [our]_2150-our innocent and natural manners . But do [you]_{2147-the next young man} know , " [Strether]_82-strether asked , "_{[2147-the next young man]} if [Chad]_111-chad knows - ? " And then as [this interlocutor]_{4470-this interlocutor} seemed at a loss : "_[111-chad] Why where [she]_2145-she has come out . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} , at this , met [his]_{83-little bilham} face with a conscious look - it was as if , more than anything yet , the allusion had penetrated . "_[111-chad] Do [you]_{2147-the next young man} know [yourself]_{2147-the next young man} ? " [Strether]_82-strether lightly shook [his]_82-strether head . "_{[2147-the next young man]} There [I]_0-i stop . Oh , odd as it may appear to [you]_{2147-the next young man} , there ARE things [I]_0-i do n't know . [I]_0-i only got the sense from [her]_2145-she of something very sharp , and yet very deep down , that [she]_2145-she was keeping all to [herself]_2145-she . That is [I]_0-i had begun with the belief that [she]_2145-she HAD kept it to [herself]_2145-she ; but face to face with [her]_2145-she there [I]_0-i soon made out that there was [a person with whom [she]_2145-she would have shared it]_{2151-a person with whom she would have shared it} . [I]_0-i had thought [she]_2145-she possibly might with [ME]_0-i - but [I]_0-i saw then that [I]_0-i was only half in [her]_2145-she confidence . When , turning to [me]_0-i to greet [me]_0-i - for [she]_2145-she was on [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} and [I]_0-i had come in without [her]_2145-she knowing it - [she]_2145-she showed [me]_0-i [she]_2145-she had been expecting [YOU]_2153-you and was proportionately disappointed , [I]_0-i got hold of the tail of [my]_0-i conviction . Half an hour later [I]_0-i was in possession of all the rest of it . [You]_2153-you know what has happened . " [He]_2153-you looked at [[his]_2153-you young friend]_{2784-his young friend} hard - then [he]_2153-you felt sure . "_[2153-you] For all [you]_2153-you say , [you]_2153-you 're up to [your]_2153-you eyes . So there [you]_2153-you are . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} after an instant pulled half round . "_[2153-you] [I]_0-i assure [you]_2153-you [she]_2145-she has n't told [me]_0-i anything . " "_[2145-she] Of course [she]_2145-she has n't . For what do [you]_2153-you suggest that [I]_0-i suppose [her]_2145-she to take [you]_2153-you ? But [you]_2153-you 've been with [her]_2145-she every day , [you]_2153-you 've seen [her]_2145-she freely , [you]_2153-you 've liked [her]_2145-she greatly - [I]_0-i stick to that - and [you]_2153-you 've made [your]_2153-you profit of it . [You]_2153-you know what [she]_2145-she has been through as well as [you]_2153-you know that [she]_2145-she has dined [here]_3103-here to - night - which must have put [her]_2145-she , by the way , through a good deal more . " [The young man]_{2833-the young man} faced this blast ; after which [he]_{2833-the young man} pulled round the rest of the way . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have n't in the least said [she]_2145-she has n't been nice to [me]_0-i . But [she]_2145-she 's proud . " "_[2145-she] And quite properly . But not too proud for that . " "_[2145-she] It 's just [her]_2145-she pride that has made [her]_2145-she . [Chad]_111-chad , " [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} loyally went on , "_[2145-she] has really been as kind to [her]_2145-she as possible . It 's awkward for [a man]_{572-a man} when [a girl]_{2156-a girl} 's in love with [him]_{572-a man} . " "_[2145-she] Ah but [she]_2145-she is n't - now . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} sat staring before [him]_{2833-the young man} ; then [he]_{83-little bilham} sprang up as if [[his]_{83-little bilham} friend]_{259-his friend} 's penetration , recurrent and insistent , made [him]_{83-little bilham} really after all too nervous . "_[2145-she] No - [she]_2145-she is n't now . It is n't in the least , " [he]_{2833-the young man} went on , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad 's fault . [He]_111-chad 's really all right . [I]_0-i mean [he]_111-chad would have been willing . But [she]_2145-she came over with ideas . Those [she]_2145-she had got at [home]_2874-home . [They]_2158-they had been [her]_2145-she motive and support in joining [[her]_2145-she brother]_{4203-her brother} and [[his]_{4203-her brother} wife]_{458-his wife} . [She]_2145-she was to SAVE [[our]_2161-our friend]_{235-our friend} . " "_[2163-ah] [Ah]_2163-ah like [me]_0-i , [poor thing]_{2164-poor thing} ? " [Strether]_82-strether also got to [his]_82-strether feet . "_[2163-ah] Exactly - [she]_2145-she had a bad moment . It was very soon distinct to [her]_2145-she , to pull [her]_2145-she up , to let [her]_2145-she down , that , alas , [he]_{235-our friend} was , [he]_{235-our friend} IS , saved . There 's nothing left for [her]_2145-she to do . " "_[2145-she] Not even to love [him]_{235-our friend} ? " "_[2145-she] [She]_2145-she would have loved [him]_{235-our friend} better as [she]_2145-she originally believed [him]_{235-our friend} . " [Strether]_82-strether wondered "_[2797-one] Of course [one]_2797-one asks [one]_2797-one 's self what notion [a little girl]_{4447-a little girl} forms , where [a young man]_{2991-a young man} 's in question , of such a history and such a state . " "_{[2169-this little girl]} Well , [this little girl]_{2169-this little girl} saw them , no doubt , as obscure , but [she]_{2169-this little girl} saw [them]_2170-them practically as wrong . The wrong for [her]_{2169-this little girl} WAS the obscure . [Chad]_111-chad turns out at any rate right and good and disconcerting , while what [she]_2145-she was all prepared for , primed and girded and wound up for , was to deal with [him]_{235-our friend} as [the general opposite]_{2171-the general opposite} . " "_{[2171-the general opposite]} Yet was n't [her]_2145-she whole point " - [Strether]_82-strether weighed it - "_[2145-she] that [he]_{235-our friend} was to be , that [he]_{235-our friend} COULD be , made better , redeemed ? " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} fixed it all a moment , and then with a small headshake that diffused a tenderness : "_[2145-she] [She]_2145-she 's too late . Too late for the miracle . " "_[2145-she] Yes " - [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} saw enough . "_[2145-she] Still , if the worst fault of [his]_{235-our friend} condition is that it may be all there for [her]_2145-she to profit by - ? " "_[2145-she] Oh [she]_2145-she does n't want to ' profit , ' in that flat way . [She]_2145-she does n't want to profit by [another woman]_{1550-another woman} 's work - [she]_2145-she wants the miracle to have been [her]_2145-she own miracle . THAT 'S what [she]_2145-she 's too late for . " [Strether]_82-strether quite felt how it all fitted , yet there seemed one loose piece . "_[2145-she] [I]_0-i 'm bound to say , [you]_0-i know , that [she]_2145-she strikes one , on these lines , as fastidious - what [you]_0-i call here difficile . " [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} tossed up [his]_{83-little bilham} chin . "_[2145-she] Of course [she]_2145-she 's difficile - on any lines ! What else in [the world]_{2804-the world} ARE [[our]_2174-our Mamies]_{2175-our mamies} - the real , [the right ones]_{2176-the right ones} ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see , [I]_0-i see , " [[our]_2174-our friend]_{235-our friend} repeated , charmed by the responsive wisdom [he]_{83-little bilham} had ended by so richly extracting . "_[0-i] [Mamie]_100-mamie is [one of the real and the right]_{2177-one of the real and the right} . " "_{[2177-one of the real and the right]} The very thing itself . " "_{[2177-one of the real and the right]} And what it comes to then , " [Strether]_82-strether went on , "_{[2177-one of the real and the right]} is that poor awful [Chad]_111-chad is simply too good for [her]_2145-she . " "_[111-chad] Ah too good was what [he]_111-chad was after all to be ; but it was [she]_2145-she [herself]_2145-she , and [she]_2145-she [herself]_2145-she only , who was to have made [him]_111-chad so . " It hung beautifully together , but with still a loose end . "_[2145-she] Would n't [he]_111-chad do for [her]_2145-she even if [he]_111-chad should after all break - " "_[111-chad] With [his]_111-chad actual influence ? " Oh [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had for this enquiry the sharpest of all [his]_{83-little bilham} controls . "_[111-chad] How can [he]_111-chad ' do ' - on any terms whatever - when [he]_111-chad 's flagrantly spoiled ? " [Strether]_82-strether could only meet the question with [his]_82-strether passive , [his]_82-strether receptive pleasure . "_[111-chad] Well , thank goodness , [YOU'RE]_2178-you're not ! [You]_2178-you're remain for [her]_2145-she to save , and [I]_0-i come back , on so beautiful and full a demonstration , to [my]_0-i contention of just now - that of [your]_2178-you're showing distinct signs of [her]_2145-she having already begun . " The most [he]_82-strether could further say to [himself]_82-strether - as [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} turned away - was that the charge encountered for the moment no renewed denial . [Little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} , taking [his]_{130-little bilham} course back to the music , only shook [his]_{130-little bilham} good - natured ears an instant , in the manner of a terrier who has got wet ; while [Strether]_82-strether relapsed into the sense - which had for [him]_82-strether in these days most of comfort - that [he]_82-strether was free to believe in anything that from hour to hour kept [him]_82-strether going . [He]_82-strether had positively motions and flutters of this conscious hour - to - hour kind , temporary surrenders to irony , to fancy , frequent instinctive snatches at the growing rose of observation , constantly stronger for [him]_82-strether , as [he]_82-strether felt , in scent and colour , and in which [he]_82-strether could bury [his]_82-strether nose even to wantonness . This last resource was offered [him]_82-strether , for that matter , in the very form of [his]_82-strether next clear perception - the vision of a prompt meeting , in the doorway of [the room]_{413-the room} , between [little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} and [brilliant Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , who was entering as [Bilham]_{130-little bilham} withdrew . [She]_{131-miss barrace} had apparently put [him]_82-strether a question , to which [he]_82-strether had replied by turning to indicate [[his]_82-strether late interlocutor]_{4478-his late interlocutor} ; toward whom , after an interrogation further aided by a resort to that optical machinery which seemed , like [her]_{131-miss barrace} other ornaments , curious and archaic , [the genial lady]_{4479-the genial lady} , suggesting more than ever for [[her]_{131-miss barrace} fellow guest]_{4480-her fellow guest} the old French print , the historic portrait , directed [herself]_{131-miss barrace} with an intention that [Strether]_82-strether instantly met . [He]_82-strether knew in advance the first note [she]_{131-miss barrace} would sound , and took in as [she]_{131-miss barrace} approached all [her]_{131-miss barrace} need of sounding it . Nothing yet had been so "_{[2178-you're]} wonderful " between [them]_4481-them as the present occasion ; and it was [her]_{131-miss barrace} special sense of this quality in occasions that [she]_{131-miss barrace} was there , as [she]_{131-miss barrace} was in most places , to feed . That sense had already been so well fed by the situation about [them]_4481-them that [she]_{131-miss barrace} had quitted [the other room]_{3874-the other room} , forsaken the music , dropped out of the play , abandoned , in a word , the stage itself , that [she]_{131-miss barrace} might stand a minute behind the scenes with [Strether]_82-strether and so perhaps figure as one of [the famous augurs]_{4483-the famous augurs} replying , behind the oracle , to the wink of the other . Seated near [him]_82-strether presently where [little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} had sat , [she]_{131-miss barrace} replied in truth to many things ; beginning as soon as [he]_82-strether had said to [her]_{131-miss barrace} - what [he]_82-strether hoped [he]_82-strether said without fatuity - "_{[2179-all you ladies]} [All [you]_{2179-all you ladies} ladies]_{2179-all you ladies} are extraordinarily kind to [me]_0-i . " [She]_{131-miss barrace} played [her]_{131-miss barrace} long handle , which shifted [her]_{131-miss barrace} observation ; [she]_{131-miss barrace} saw in an instant all the absences that left [them]_{2179-all you ladies} free . "_{[2179-all you ladies]} How can [we]_2180-we be anything else ? But is n't that exactly [your]_0-i plight ? ' [[We]_2180-we ladies]_{2181-we ladies} ' - oh [we]_2180-we 're nice , and [you]_0-i must be having enough of [us]_2180-we ! As one of [us]_2180-we , [you]_0-i know , [I]_0-i do n't pretend [I]_0-i 'm crazy about [us]_2180-we . But [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} at least to - night has left [you]_0-i alone , has n't [she]_{99-miss gostrey} ? " With which [she]_{388-his companion} again looked about as if [Maria]_100-mamie might still lurk . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} Oh yes , " said [Strether]_82-strether ; ' [she]_{99-miss gostrey} 's only sitting up for [me]_{99-miss gostrey} at [home]_2874-home . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} And then as this elicited from [[his]_2182-he companion]_{388-his companion} [her]_{388-his companion} gay " Oh , oh , oh ! "_[2182-he] [he]_2182-he explained that [he]_2182-he meant sitting up in suspense and prayer . " [We]_4485-we thought it on the whole better [she]_{99-miss gostrey} should n't be present ; and either way of course it 's a terrible worry for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[2182-he] [He]_2182-he abounded in the sense of [his]_2182-he appeal to [the ladies]_{211-the ladies} , and [they]_{211-the ladies} might take [their]_{211-the ladies} choice of [his]_2182-he doing so from humility or from pride . " Yet [she]_{99-miss gostrey} inclines to believe [I]_{211-the ladies} shall come out . "_{[211-the ladies]} " Oh [I]_{131-miss barrace} incline to believe too [you]_{211-the ladies} 'll come out ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} - [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , with [her]_{131-miss barrace} laugh , was not to be behind . " Only the question 's about WHERE , is n't it ? However , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} happily continued , " if it 's anywhere at all it must be very far on , must n't it ? To do [us]_4485-we justice , [I]_{131-miss barrace} think , [you]_2182-he know , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} laughed , " [we]_4485-we do , among [us]_4485-we all , want [you]_2182-he rather far on . Yes , yes , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} repeated in [her]_{131-miss barrace} quick droll way ; " [we]_4485-we want [you]_2182-he very , VERY far on ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} After which [she]_{131-miss barrace} wished to know why [he]_2182-he had thought it better [Maria]_100-mamie should n't be present . " Oh , "_[2182-he] [he]_2182-he replied , " it was really [her]_100-mamie own idea . [I]_2182-he should have wished it . But [she]_100-mamie dreads responsibility . "_[2182-he] " And is n't that a new thing for [her]_100-mamie ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " To dread it ? No doubt - no doubt . But [her]_100-mamie nerve has given way . "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} looked at [him]_2182-he a moment . " [She]_100-mamie has too much at stake . "_{[131-miss barrace]} Then less gravely : " [Mine]_82-strether , luckily for [me]_{131-miss barrace} , holds out . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Luckily for [me]_82-strether too "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether came back to that . " [My]_82-strether own is n't so firm , [MY]_82-strether appetite for responsibility is n't so sharp , as that [I]_82-strether have n't felt the very principle of this occasion to be ' the more the merrier . ' If [we]_4486-we ARE so merry it 's because [Chad]_111-chad has understood so well . "_{[82-strether]} " [He]_111-chad has understood amazingly , "_{[131-miss barrace]} said [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} . " It 's wonderful - [Strether]_82-strether anticipated for [her]_100-mamie . "_{[131-miss barrace]} It 's wonderful ! " [she]_100-mamie , to meet it , intensified ; so that , face to face over it , [they]_4486-we largely and recklessly laughed . But [she]_0-i presently added : "_{[131-miss barrace]} Oh [I]_0-i see the principle . If [one]_2797-one did n't one would be lost . But when once one has got hold of it - " "_[2187-you] It 's as simple as twice two ! From the moment [he]_2182-he had to do something - " "_[2182-he] [A crowd]_{2186-a crowd} " - [she]_0-i took [him]_82-strether straight up - "_[2182-he] was the only thing ? Rather , rather : a rumpus of sound , " [she]_0-i laughed , "_[2182-he] or nothing . [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's built in , or built out - whichever [you]_2187-you call it ; [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's packed so tight [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} ca n't move . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's in splendid isolation " - [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} embroidered the theme . [Strether]_82-strether followed , but scrupulous of justice . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} Yet with [every one in [the place]_{2826-the place}]_{2188-every one in the place} successively introduced to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . " "_{[2188-every one in the place]} Wonderfully - but just so that it does build [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} out . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's bricked up , [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's buried alive ! " [Strether]_82-strether seemed for a moment to look at it ; but it brought [him]_82-strether to a sigh . "_[0-i] Oh but [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's not dead ! It will take more than this to kill [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . " [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} had a pause that might have been for pity . "_[0-i] No , [I]_0-i ca n't pretend [I]_0-i think [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's finished - or that it 's for more than to - night . " [She]_0-i remained pensive as if with the same compunction . "_[0-i] It 's only up to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} chin . " Then again for the fun of it : "_[0-i] [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} can breathe . " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} can breathe ! " - [he]_82-strether echoed it in the same spirit . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} And do [you]_2190-you know , " [he]_82-strether went on , "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} what 's really all this time happening to [me]_0-i ? - through the beauty of music , the gaiety of voices , the uproar in short of [our]_2191-our revel and the felicity of [your]_2192-your wit ? The sound of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's respiration drowns for [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i assure [you]_2190-you , every other . It 's literally all [I]_0-i hear . " [She]_0-i focussed [him]_82-strether with [her]_0-i clink of chains . "_[0-i] Well - ! " [she]_0-i breathed ever so kindly . "_[0-i] Well , what ? " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} IS free from [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} chin up , " [she]_0-i mused ; "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} and that WILL be enough for [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} It will be enough for [me]_0-i ! " [Strether]_82-strether ruefully laughed . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh has really , " [he]_82-strether then asked , "_{[96-waymarsh]} brought [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} to see [you]_2190-you ? " "_{[96-waymarsh]} Yes - but that 's the worst of it . [I]_0-i could do [you]_2190-you no good . And yet [I]_0-i tried hard . " [Strether]_82-strether wondered . "_[2190-you] And how did [you]_2190-you try ? " "_[2190-you] Why [I]_0-i did n't speak of [you]_2190-you . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see . That was better . " "_[2190-you] Then what would have been worse ? For speaking or silent , " [she]_0-i lightly wailed , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i somehow ' compromise . ' And it has never been any one but [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] That shows " - [he]_82-strether was magnanimous - "_[0-i] that it 's something not in [you]_2190-you , but in [one]_2797-one 's self . It 's [MY]_0-i fault . " [She]_0-i was silent a little . "_[0-i] No , it 's [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's . It 's the fault of [his]_96-waymarsh having brought [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . " "_{[96-waymarsh]} Ah then , " said [Strether]_82-strether good - naturedly , "_{[96-waymarsh]} why DID [he]_96-waymarsh bring [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} ? " "_{[96-waymarsh]} [He]_96-waymarsh could n't afford not to . " "_{[96-waymarsh]} Oh [you]_2190-you were [a trophy]_{2194-a trophy} - one of the spoils of conquest ? But why in that case , since [you]_2190-you do ' compromise ' - " "_[2190-you] Do n't [I]_0-i compromise [HIM]_96-waymarsh as well ? [I]_0-i do compromise [him]_96-waymarsh as well , " [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} smiled . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i compromise [him]_96-waymarsh as hard as [I]_0-i can . But for [Mr. Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh it is n't fatal . It 's - so far as [his]_96-waymarsh wonderful relation with [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} is concerned - favourable . " And then , as [he]_96-waymarsh still seemed slightly at sea : "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [The man who had succeeded with [ME]_0-i]_{2195-the man who had succeeded with me} , do n't [you]_2190-you see ? For [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} to get [him]_96-waymarsh from [me]_0-i was such an added incentive . " [Strether]_82-strether saw , but as if [his]_96-waymarsh path was still strewn with surprises . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} It 's ' from ' [you]_2190-you then that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} has got [him]_96-waymarsh ? " [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} was amused at [his]_96-waymarsh momentary muddle . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [You]_2190-you can fancy [my]_0-i fight ! [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} believes in [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} triumph . [I]_0-i think it has been part of [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} joy . " Oh [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} joy ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether sceptically murmured . " Well , [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} thinks [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} has had [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} own way . And what 's to - night for [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} but a kind of apotheosis ? [Her]_{113-mrs. pocock} frock 's really good . "_{[82-strether]} " Good enough to go to heaven in ? For after a real apotheosis , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether went on , " there 's nothing BUT [heaven]_4488-heaven . For [Sarah]_126-sarah there 's only to - morrow . "_{[82-strether]} " And [you]_96-waymarsh mean that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} wo n't find to - morrow heavenly ? "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [I]_82-strether mean that [I]_82-strether somehow feel to - night - on [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} behalf - too good to be true . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} has had [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} cake ; that is [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's in the act now of having it , of swallowing the largest and sweetest piece . There wo n't be another left for [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . Certainly [I]_82-strether have n't one . It can only , at the best , be [Chad]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether continued to make it out as for [their]_2196-we common entertainment . " [He]_111-chad may have one , as it were , up [his]_111-chad sleeve ; yet it 's borne in upon [me]_82-strether that if [he]_111-chad had - "_{[82-strether]} " [He]_111-chad would n't "_[2197-she] - [she]_2197-she quite understood - " have taken all THIS trouble ? [I]_2197-she dare say not , and , if [I]_2197-she may be quite free and dreadful , [I]_2197-she very much hope [he]_111-chad wo n't take any more . Of course [I]_2197-she wo n't pretend now , "_[2197-she] [she]_2197-she added , " not to know what it 's a question of . "_[2197-she] " Oh [every one]_{659-every one} must know now , "_{[82-strether]} poor [Strether]_82-strether thoughtfully admitted ; " and it 's strange enough and funny enough that [one]_2797-one should feel [everybody here]_{4491-everybody here} at this very moment to be knowing and watching and waiting . "_{[82-strether]} " Yes - is n't it indeed funny ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} quite rose to it . " That 's the way [we]_2196-we ARE in [Paris]_1-paris . "_{[131-miss barrace]} [She]_2197-she was always pleased with a new contribution to that queerness . " It 's wonderful ! But , [you]_82-strether know , "_[2197-she] [she]_2197-she declared , " it all depends on [you]_82-strether . [I]_2197-she do n't want to turn the knife in [your]_82-strether vitals , but that 's naturally what [you]_82-strether just now meant by [our]_2196-we all being on top of [you]_82-strether . [We]_2196-we know [you]_82-strether as [the hero of the drama]_{4492-the hero of the drama} , and [we]_2196-we 're gathered to see what [you]_82-strether 'll do . "_[2197-she] [Strether]_82-strether looked at [her]_2197-she a moment with a light perhaps slightly obscured . " [I]_82-strether think that must be why [the hero]_{4493-the hero} has taken refuge in this corner . [He]_{4493-the hero} 's scared at [his]_{4493-the hero} heroism - [he]_{4493-the hero} shrinks from [his]_{4493-the hero} part . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah but [we]_2196-we nevertheless believe [he]_{4493-the hero} 'll play it . That 's why , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} kindly went on , " [we]_2196-we take such an interest in [you]_82-strether . [We]_2196-we feel [you]_82-strether 'll come up to the scratch . "_{[131-miss barrace]} And then as [he]_82-strether seemed perhaps not quite to take fire : " Do n't let [him]_{4493-the hero} do it . "_{[82-strether]} " Do n't let [Chad]_111-chad go ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Yes , keep hold of [him]_{4493-the hero} . With all this "_[2197-she] - and [she]_2197-she indicated [the general tribute]_{2198-the general tribute} - " [he]_{4493-the hero} has done enough . [We]_2196-we love [him]_{4493-the hero} here - [he]_{4493-the hero} 's charming . "_[2197-she] " It 's beautiful , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " the way [you]_4494-you all can simplify when [you]_4494-you will . "_{[82-strether]} But [she]_2197-she gave it to [him]_82-strether back . " It 's nothing to the way [you]_82-strether will when [you]_82-strether must . "_[2197-she] [He]_82-strether winced at it as at the very voice of prophecy , and it kept [him]_82-strether a moment quiet . [He]_82-strether detained [her]_2197-she , however , on [her]_2197-she appearing about to leave [him]_82-strether alone in the rather cold clearance [their]_2199-their talk had made . " There positively is n't a sign of [a hero]_{2800-a hero} to - night ; [the hero]_{4493-the hero} 's dodging and shirking , [the hero]_{4493-the hero} 's ashamed . Therefore , [you]_82-strether know , [I]_82-strether think , what [you]_82-strether must all REALLY be occupied with is [the heroine]_{4498-the heroine} . "_{[82-strether]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} took a minute . " [The heroine]_{4498-the heroine} ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " [The heroine]_{4498-the heroine} . [I]_82-strether 've treated [her]_{4498-the heroine} , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " not a bit like [a hero]_{2800-a hero} . Oh , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether sighed , " [I]_82-strether do n't do it well ! "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{131-miss barrace} eased [him]_82-strether off . " [You]_82-strether do it as [you]_82-strether can . "_{[131-miss barrace]} And then after another hesitation : " [I]_82-strether think [she]_{4498-the heroine} 's satisfied . "_{[82-strether]} But [he]_82-strether remained compunctious . " [I]_82-strether have n't been near [her]_{4498-the heroine} . [I]_82-strether have n't looked at [her]_{4498-the heroine} . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah then [you]_82-strether 've lost a good deal ! "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether showed [he]_82-strether knew it . " [She]_{4498-the heroine} 's more wonderful than ever ? "_{[82-strether]} " Than ever . With [Mr. Pocock]_{179-mr. pocock} . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether wondered . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - with [Jim]_118-jim ? "_{[82-strether]} " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - with ' [Jim]_118-jim . ' "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} was historic . " And what 's [she]_{4498-the heroine} doing with [him]_118-jim ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Ah [you]_{131-miss barrace} must ask [HIM]_118-jim ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether 's face lighted again at the prospect . " It WILL be amusing to do so . "_{[82-strether]} Yet [he]_82-strether continued to wonder . " But [she]_{4498-the heroine} must have some idea . "_{[82-strether]} " Of course [she]_{4498-the heroine} has - [she]_{4498-the heroine} has twenty ideas . [She]_{4498-the heroine} has in the first place , "_{[131-miss barrace]} said [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} , swinging a little [her]_{131-miss barrace} tortoise - shell , " that of doing [her]_{4498-the heroine} part . [Her]_{4498-the heroine} part is to help [YOU]_82-strether . "_{[131-miss barrace]} It came out as nothing had come yet ; links were missing and connexions unnamed , but it was suddenly as if [they]_2200-they were at the heart of [their]_2200-they subject . " Yes ; how much more [she]_{4498-the heroine} does it , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether gravely reflected , " than [I]_82-strether help [HER]_{4498-the heroine} ! "_{[82-strether]} It all came over [him]_82-strether as with the near presence of the beauty , the grace , the intense , dissimulated spirit with which [he]_82-strether had , as [he]_82-strether said , been putting off contact . " [SHE]_{4498-the heroine} has courage . "_{[82-strether]} " [Ah]_4502-ah [she]_{4498-the heroine} has courage ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} quite agreed ; and it was as if for a moment [they]_2200-they saw the quantity in [each other]_{2864-each other} 's face . But indeed the whole thing was present . " How much [she]_{4498-the heroine} must care ! "_{[82-strether]} " Ah there it is . [She]_{4498-the heroine} does care . But it is n't , is it , "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} considerately added , " as if [you]_82-strether had ever had any doubt of that ? "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Strether]_82-strether seemed suddenly to like to feel that [he]_82-strether really never had . " Why of course it 's the whole point . "_{[82-strether]} " Voila ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} smiled . " It 's why [one]_2797-one came out , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether went on . " And it 's why [one]_2797-one has stayed so long . And it 's also "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether abounded - " why [one]_2797-one 's going [home]_2874-home . It 's why , it 's why - "_{[82-strether]} " It 's why everything ! "_{[131-miss barrace]} [she]_{131-miss barrace} concurred . " It 's why [she]_{4498-the heroine} might be to - night - for all [she]_{4498-the heroine} looks and shows , and for all [[your]_82-strether friend]_{632-your friend} ' [Jim]_118-jim ' does - about twenty years old . That 's another of [her]_{4498-the heroine} ideas ; to be for [him]_118-jim , and to be quite easily and charmingly , as young as [a little girl]_{4447-a little girl} . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether assisted at [his]_82-strether distance . " ' For [him]_118-jim ' ? For [Chad]_111-chad - ? "_{[82-strether]} " For [Chad]_111-chad , in a manner , naturally , always . But in particular to - night for [Mr. Pocock]_{179-mr. pocock} . "_{[131-miss barrace]} And then as [[her]_{131-miss barrace} friend]_{547-her friend} still stared : " Yes , it IS of a bravery But that 's what [she]_{4498-the heroine} has : [her]_{4498-the heroine} high sense of duty . "_{[82-strether]} It was more than sufficiently before [them]_2203-them . " When [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} has [his]_{114-mr. newsome} hands so embarrassed with [[his]_{114-mr. newsome} sister]_{4135-his sister} - "_{[82-strether]} " It 's quite the least "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether filled it out - " that [she]_{4498-the heroine} should take [[his]_{114-mr. newsome} sister 's husband]_{4510-his sister 's husband} ? Certainly - quite the least . So [she]_{4498-the heroine} has taken [him]_{4510-his sister 's husband} . "_{[82-strether]} " [She]_{4498-the heroine} has taken [him]_{4510-his sister 's husband} . "_{[82-strether]} It was all [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} had meant . Still it remained enough . " It must be funny . "_{[131-miss barrace]} " Oh it IS funny . "_{[82-strether]} That of course essentially went with it . But it brought [them]_2203-them back . How indeed then [she]_{547-her friend} must cared , in answer to which [Strether]_82-strether 's entertainer dropped a comprehensive " Ah ! "_{[82-strether]} expressive perhaps of some impatience for the time [he]_82-strether took to get used to it . [She]_{547-her friend} [herself]_{547-her friend} had got used to it long before . II When one morning within the week [he]_82-strether perceived the whole thing to be really at last upon [him]_82-strether [Strether]_82-strether 's immediate feeling was all relief . [He]_82-strether had known this morning that something was about to happen - known it , in a moment , by [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's manner when [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh appeared before [him]_82-strether during [his]_82-strether brief consumption of coffee and a roll in the small slippery salle - a - manger so associated with rich rumination . [Strether]_82-strether had taken [there]_311-there of late various lonely and absent - minded meals ; [he]_82-strether communed [there]_311-there , even at the end of June , with a suspected chill , the air of old shivers mixed with old savours , the air in which so many of [his]_82-strether impressions had perversely matured ; the place meanwhile renewing its message to [him]_82-strether by the very circumstance of [his]_82-strether single state . [He]_82-strether now sat there , for the most part , to sigh softly , while [he]_82-strether vaguely tilted [his]_82-strether carafe , over the vision of how much better [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was occupied . That was really [his]_82-strether success by the common measure - to have led [this companion]_{2206-this companion} so on and on . [He]_82-strether remembered how at first there had been scarce a squatting - place [he]_82-strether could beguile [him]_82-strether into passing ; the actual outcome of which at last was that there was scarce one that could arrest [him]_82-strether in [his]_82-strether rush . [His]_82-strether rush - as [Strether]_82-strether vividly and amusedly figured it - continued to be all with [Sarah]_126-sarah , and contained perhaps moreover the word of the whole enigma , whipping up in its fine full - flavoured froth the very principle , for good or for ill , of [his]_82-strether own , of [Strether]_82-strether 's destiny . It might after all , to the end , only be that [they]_2207-they had united to save [him]_82-strether , and indeed , so far as [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was concerned , that HAD to be the spring of action . [Strether]_82-strether was glad at all events , in connexion with the case , that the saving [he]_82-strether required was not more scant ; so constituted a luxury was it in certain lights just to lurk there out of the full glare . [He]_82-strether had moments of quite seriously wondering whether [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would n't in fact , thanks to old friendship and a conceivable indulgence , make about as good terms for [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether might make for [himself]_82-strether . [They]_2207-they would n't be the same terms of course ; but [they]_2207-they might have the advantage that [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether probably should be able to make none at all . [He]_82-strether was never in the morning very late , but [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had already been out , and , after a peep into [the dim refectory]_{2208-the dim refectory} , [he]_96-waymarsh presented [himself]_96-waymarsh with much less than usual of [his]_96-waymarsh large looseness . [He]_96-waymarsh had made sure , through the expanse of glass exposed to [the court]_{3762-the court} , that [they]_2210-they would be alone ; and there was now in fact that about [him]_96-waymarsh that pretty well took up [the room]_{413-the room} . [He]_96-waymarsh was dressed in the garments of summer ; and save that [his]_96-waymarsh white waistcoat was redundant and bulging these things favoured , [they]_2207-they determined , [his]_96-waymarsh expression . [He]_96-waymarsh wore a straw hat such as [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} had n't yet seen in [Paris]_1-paris , and [he]_96-waymarsh showed a buttonhole freshly adorned with a magnificent rose . [Strether]_82-strether read on the instant [his]_96-waymarsh story - how , astir for the previous hour , the sprinkled newness of the day , so pleasant at that season in [Paris]_1-paris , [he]_96-waymarsh was fairly panting with the pulse of adventure and had been with [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , unmistakeably , to [the Marche aux Fleurs]_{2213-the marche aux fleurs} . [Strether]_82-strether really knew in this vision of [him]_96-waymarsh a joy that was akin to envy ; so reversed as [he]_82-strether stood there did [their]_2214-their old positions seem ; so comparatively doleful now showed , by the sharp turn of the wheel , the posture of [the pilgrim from [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{2215-the pilgrim from woollett} . [He]_82-strether wondered , [this pilgrim]_{2216-this pilgrim} , if [he]_{2216-this pilgrim} had originally looked to [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh so brave and well , so remarkably launched , as it was at present [the latter]_{504-the latter} 's privilege to appear . [He]_82-strether recalled that [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} had remarked to [him]_82-strether even at Chester that [his]_82-strether aspect belied [his]_82-strether plea of prostration ; but there certainly could n't have been , for an issue , an aspect less concerned than [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's with the menace of decay . [Strether]_82-strether had at any rate never resembled [a Southern planter of the great days]_{2219-a southern planter of the great days} - which was the image picturesquely suggested by the happy relation between the fuliginous face and the wide panama of [[his]_82-strether visitor]_{430-his visitor} . This type , it further amused [him]_82-strether to guess , had been , on [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's part , the object of [Sarah]_126-sarah 's care ; [he]_82-strether was convinced that [her]_126-sarah taste had not been a stranger to the conception and purchase of the hat , any more than [her]_126-sarah fine fingers had been guiltless of the bestowal of the rose . It came to [him]_82-strether in the current of thought , as things so oddly did come , that [HE]_82-strether had never risen with the lark to attend [a brilliant woman]_{2221-a brilliant woman} to [the Marche aux Fleurs]_{2213-the marche aux fleurs} ; this could be fastened on [him]_82-strether in connexion neither with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} nor with [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ; the practice of getting up early for adventures could indeed in no manner be fastened on [him]_82-strether . It came to [him]_82-strether in fact that just here was [his]_82-strether usual case : [he]_82-strether was for ever missing things through [his]_82-strether general genius for missing them , while [others]_2890-others were for ever picking them up through a contrary bent . And it was [others who looked abstemious]_{2224-others who looked abstemious} and [he]_82-strether who looked greedy ; it was [he]_82-strether somehow who finally paid , and it was others who mainly partook . Yes , [he]_82-strether should go to the scaffold yet for [he]_82-strether would n't know quite whom . [He]_82-strether almost , for that matter , felt on [the scaffold]_{2225-the scaffold} now and really quite enjoying it . It worked out as BECAUSE [he]_82-strether was anxious there - it worked out as for this reason that [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was so blooming . It was [HIS]_82-strether trip for health , for a change , that proved the success - which was just what [Strether]_82-strether , planning and exerting [himself]_82-strether , had desired it should be . That truth already sat full - blown on [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's lips ; benevolence breathed from them as with the warmth of active exercise , and also a little as with the bustle of haste . " [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} , whom [I]_82-strether left a quarter of an hour ago at [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} hotel]_{4511-her hotel} , has asked [me]_82-strether to mention to [you]_4512-you that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} would like to find [you]_4512-you at [home]_2874-home [here]_3103-here in about another hour . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} wants to see [you]_4512-you ; [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} has something to say - or considers , [I]_82-strether believe , that [you]_4512-you may have : so that [I]_82-strether asked [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} [myself]_82-strether why [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} should n't come right round . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} has n't BEEN round yet - to see [[our]_4515-our place]_{4516-our place} ; and [I]_82-strether took upon [myself]_82-strether to say that [I]_82-strether was sure [you]_4512-you 'd be glad to have [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . The thing 's therefore , [you]_4512-you see , to keep right here till [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} comes . "_{[82-strether]} The announcement was sociably , even though , after [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's wo nt , somewhat solemnly made ; but [Strether]_82-strether quickly felt other things in it than these light features . It was the first approach , from that quarter , to admitted consciousness ; it quickened [his]_82-strether pulse ; it simply meant at last that [he]_82-strether should have but [himself]_82-strether to thank if [he]_82-strether did n't know where [he]_82-strether was . [He]_82-strether had finished [his]_82-strether breakfast ; [he]_82-strether pushed it away and was on [his]_82-strether feet . There were plenty of elements of surprise , but only one of doubt . " The thing 's for [YOU]_82-strether to keep [here]_3103-here too ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had been slightly ambiguous . [He]_96-waymarsh was n't ambiguous , however , after this enquiry ; and [Strether]_82-strether 's understanding had probably never before opened so wide and effective a mouth as it was to open during the next five minutes . It was no part of [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} 's wish , as appeared , to help to receive [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} ; [he]_82-strether quite understood the spirit in which [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was to present [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} , but [his]_82-strether connexion with [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} visit was limited to [his]_82-strether having - well , as [he]_82-strether might say - perhaps a little promoted it . [He]_82-strether had thought , and had let [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} know it , that [Strether]_82-strether possibly would think [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} might have been round before . At any rate , as turned out , [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had been wanting [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} , quite a while , to come . " [I]_96-waymarsh told [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} , "_{[96-waymarsh]} said [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , " that it would have been a bright idea if [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had only carried it out before . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether pronounced it so bright as to be almost dazzling . " But why HASn't [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} carried it out before ? [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} has seen [me]_82-strether every day - [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had only to name [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} hour . [I]_82-strether 've been waiting and waiting . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [I]_82-strether told [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} [you]_82-strether had . And [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} has been waiting too . "_{[82-strether]} It was , in the oddest way in [the world]_{2804-the world} , on the showing of this tone , a genial new pressing coaxing [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh ; [a [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh conscious with a different consciousness from any [he]_96-waymarsh had yet betrayed]_96-waymarsh , and actually rendered by it almost insinuating . [He]_96-waymarsh lacked only time for full persuasion , and [Strether]_82-strether was to see in a moment why . Meantime , however , [[our]_2229-our friend]_{235-our friend} perceived , [he]_96-waymarsh was announcing a step of some magnanimity on [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's part , so that [he]_96-waymarsh could deprecate a sharp question . It was [his]_96-waymarsh own high purpose in fact to have smoothed sharp questions to rest . [He]_82-strether looked [[his]_82-strether old comrade]_{2231-his old comrade} very straight in the eyes , and [he]_82-strether had never conveyed to [him]_{2231-his old comrade} in so mute a manner so much kind confidence and so much good advice . Everything that was between [them]_2232-them was again in [his]_82-strether face , but matured and shelved and finally disposed of . " At any rate , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added , ' [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's coming now . " Considering how many pieces had to fit themselves , it all fell , in [Strether]_82-strether 's brain , into a close rapid order . [He]_82-strether saw on the spot what had happened , and what probably would yet ; and it was all funny enough . It was perhaps just this freedom of appreciation that wound [him]_82-strether up to [his]_82-strether flare of high spirits . "_{[82-strether]} What is [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} coming FOR ? - to kill [me]_0-i ? " "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's coming to be very VERY kind to [you]_82-strether , and [you]_82-strether must let [me]_0-i say that [I]_0-i greatly hope [you]_82-strether 'll not be less so to [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} . " This was spoken by [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh with much gravity of admonition , and as [Strether]_82-strether stood there [he]_82-strether knew [he]_82-strether had but to make a movement to take the attitude of [a man]_{572-a man} gracefully receiving a present . The present was that of the opportunity [dear old Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had flattered [himself]_96-waymarsh [he]_96-waymarsh had divined in [him]_96-waymarsh the slight soreness of not having yet thoroughly enjoyed ; so [he]_96-waymarsh had brought it to [him]_96-waymarsh thus , as on a little silver breakfast - tray , familiarly though delicately - without oppressive pomp ; and [he]_96-waymarsh was to bend and smile and acknowledge , was to take and use and be grateful . [He]_96-waymarsh was not - that was the beauty of it - to be asked to deflect too much from [his]_96-waymarsh dignity . No wonder [the old boy]_{4519-the old boy} bloomed in this bland air of [his]_{4519-the old boy} own distillation . [Strether]_82-strether felt for a moment as if [Sarah]_126-sarah were actually walking up and down outside . Was n't [she]_126-sarah hanging about [the porte - cochere]_{4520-the porte - cochere} while [[her]_126-sarah friend]_{547-her friend} thus summarily opened a way ? [Strether]_82-strether would meet [her]_126-sarah but to take it , and everything would be for the best in the best of [possible worlds]_{4522-possible worlds} . [He]_82-strether had never so much known what [any one]_{2912-any one} meant as , in the light of this demonstration , [he]_82-strether knew what [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} did . It had reached [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh from [Sarah]_126-sarah , but it had reached [Sarah]_126-sarah from [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} , and there was no break in the chain by which it reached [HIM]_82-strether . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} Has anything particular happened , " [he]_96-waymarsh asked after a minute - ' so suddenly to determine [her]_126-sarah ? Has [she]_126-sarah heard anything unexpected from [home]_2874-home ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , on this , it seemed to [him]_96-waymarsh , looked at [him]_96-waymarsh harder than ever . " ' Unexpected ' ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} [He]_96-waymarsh had a brief hesitation ; then , however , [he]_96-waymarsh was firm . " [We]_4526-we 're leaving [Paris]_1-paris . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Leaving ? That IS sudden . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh showed a different opinion . " Less so than it may seem . The purpose of [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's visit is to explain to [you]_96-waymarsh in fact that it 's NOT . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Strether]_82-strether did n't at all know if [he]_82-strether had really an advantage - anything that would practically count as one ; but [he]_82-strether enjoyed for the moment - as for the first time in [his]_82-strether life - the sense of so carrying it off . [He]_82-strether wondered - it was amusing - if [he]_82-strether felt as the impudent feel . " [I]_82-strether shall take great pleasure , [I]_82-strether assure [you]_96-waymarsh , in any explanation . [I]_82-strether shall be delighted to receive [Sarah]_126-sarah . "_{[82-strether]} The sombre glow just darkened in [[his]_82-strether comrade]_{268-his comrade} 's eyes ; but [he]_82-strether was struck with the way it died out again . It was too mixed with another consciousness - it was too smothered , as might be said , in flowers . [He]_82-strether really for the time regretted it - poor dear old sombre glow ! Something straight and simple , something heavy and empty , had been eclipsed in its company ; something by which [he]_82-strether had best known [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh would n't BE [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} , somehow , without the occasional ornament of the sacred rage , and the right to the sacred rage - inestimably precious for [Strether]_82-strether 's charity - [he]_96-waymarsh also seemed in a manner , and at [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's elbow , to have forfeited . [Strether]_82-strether remembered the occasion early in [their]_2236-their stay when on that very spot [he]_82-strether had come out with [his]_82-strether earnest , [his]_82-strether ominous " Quit it ! "_{[82-strether]} - and , so remembering , felt it hang by a hair that [he]_82-strether did n't [himself]_82-strether now utter the same note . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was having a good time - this was the truth that was embarrassing for [him]_96-waymarsh , and [he]_96-waymarsh was having it then and there , [he]_96-waymarsh was having it in [Europe]_6-europe , [he]_96-waymarsh was having it under the very protection of circumstances of which [he]_96-waymarsh did n't in the least approve ; all of which placed [him]_96-waymarsh in a false position , with no issue possible - none at least by the grand manner . It was practically in the manner of [any one]_{2912-any one} - it was all but in poor [Strether]_82-strether 's own - that instead of taking anything up [he]_96-waymarsh merely made the most of having to be [himself]_96-waymarsh explanatory . " [I]_96-waymarsh 'm not leaving for [the United States]_{61-the united states} direct . [Mr.]_4527-mr. and [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} and [Miss Mamie]_97-mamie are thinking of a little trip before [their]_4528-their own return , and [we]_4529-we 've been talking for some days past of [our]_4529-we joining forces . [We]_4529-we 've settled it that [we]_4529-we do join and that [we]_4529-we sail together the end of next month . But [we]_4529-we start to - morrow for [Switzerland]_{62-switzerland} . [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} wants some scenery . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} has n't had much yet . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [He]_96-waymarsh was brave in [his]_96-waymarsh way too , keeping nothing back , confessing all there was , and only leaving [Strether]_82-strether to make certain connexions . " Is what [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} had cabled [[her]_{88-mrs. newsome} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} an injunction to break off short ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} The grand manner indeed at this just raised [its]_2238-its head a little . " [I]_2238-its know nothing about [[Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's cables]_{4531-mrs. newsome 's cables} . "_[2238-its] [Their]_2239-their eyes met on it with some intensity - during the few seconds of which something happened quite out of proportion to the time . It happened that [Strether]_82-strether , looking thus at [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} , did n't take [his]_82-strether answer for truth - and that something more again occurred in consequence of THAT . Yes - [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh just DID know about [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's cables : to what other end than that had [they]_2239-their dined together at [Bignon]_63-bignon 's ? [Strether]_82-strether almost felt for the instant that it was to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} the dinner had been given ; and , for that matter , quite felt how [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} must have known about it and , as [he]_82-strether might think , protected and consecrated it . [He]_82-strether had a quick blurred view of daily cables , questions , answers , signals : clear enough was [his]_82-strether vision of the expense that , when so wound up , [the lady at]_{2241-the lady at} [home]_2874-home was prepared to incur . Vivid not less was [his]_82-strether memory of what , during [his]_82-strether long observation of [her]_{2241-the lady at} , some of [her]_{2241-the lady at} attainments of that high pitch had cost [her]_{2241-the lady at} . Distinctly [she]_{2241-the lady at} was at the highest now , and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , who imagined [himself]_96-waymarsh [an independent performer]_{2243-an independent performer} , was really , forcing [his]_96-waymarsh fine old natural voice , [an overstrained accompanist]_{2244-an overstrained accompanist} . The whole reference of [his]_96-waymarsh errand seemed to mark [her]_{2241-the lady at} for [Strether]_82-strether as by this time consentingly familiar to [him]_82-strether , and nothing yet had so despoiled [her]_{2241-the lady at} of a special shade of consideration . " [You]_{2241-the lady at} do n't know , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether asked , " whether [Sarah]_126-sarah has been directed from [home]_2874-home to try [me]_82-strether on the matter of [my]_82-strether also going to [Switzerland]_{62-switzerland} ? "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_96-waymarsh know , "_{[96-waymarsh]} said [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh as manfully as possible , " nothing whatever about [her]_{2241-the lady at} private affairs ; though [I]_96-waymarsh believe [her]_{2241-the lady at} to be acting in conformity with things that have [my]_96-waymarsh highest respect . "_{[96-waymarsh]} It was as manful as possible , but it was still the false note - as it had to be to convey so sorry a statement . [He]_96-waymarsh knew everything , [Strether]_82-strether more and more felt , that [he]_96-waymarsh thus disclaimed , and [his]_82-strether little punishment was just in this doom to a second fib . What falser position - given [the man]_{693-the man} - could the most vindictive mind impose ? [He]_82-strether ended by squeezing through a passage in which three months before [he]_82-strether would certainly have stuck fast . " [Mrs Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} will probably be ready [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} to answer any enquiry [you]_82-strether may put to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . But , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether continued , " BUT - ! "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether faltered on it . " But what ? Do n't put [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} too many ? "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh looked large , but the harm was done ; [he]_96-waymarsh could n't , do what [he]_96-waymarsh would , help looking rosy . " Do n't do anything [you]_82-strether 'll be sorry for . "_{[82-strether]} It was an attenuation , [Strether]_82-strether guessed , of something else that had been on [his]_96-waymarsh lips ; it was a sudden drop to directness , and was thereby the voice of sincerity . [He]_82-strether had fallen to the supplicating note , and that immediately , for [[our]_2246-our friend]_{235-our friend} , made a difference and reinstated [him]_82-strether . [They]_2248-they were in communication as [they]_2248-they had been , that first morning , in [[Sarah]_126-sarah 's salon]_{1656-sarah 's salon} and in [her]_126-sarah presence and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's ; and the same recognition of a great good will was again , after all , possible . Only the amount of response [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had then taken for granted was doubled , decupled now . This came out when [he]_82-strether presently said : " Of course [I]_82-strether need n't assure [you]_{504-the latter} [I]_82-strether hope [you]_{504-the latter} 'll come with [us]_4533-us . "_{[82-strether]} Then it was that [his]_82-strether implications and expectations loomed up for [Strether]_82-strether as almost pathetically gross . [The latter]_{504-the latter} patted [his]_82-strether shoulder while [he]_82-strether thanked [him]_82-strether , giving the go - by to the question of joining [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} ; [he]_82-strether expressed the joy [he]_82-strether felt at seeing [him]_82-strether go forth again so brave and free , and [he]_82-strether in fact almost took leave of [him]_82-strether on the spot . " [I]_2251-i shall see [you]_{504-the latter} again of course before [you]_{504-the latter} go ; but [I]_2251-i 'm meanwhile much obliged to [you]_{504-the latter} for arranging so conveniently for what [you]_{504-the latter} 've told [me]_2251-i . [I]_2251-i shall walk up and down in [the court there]_{4534-the court there} - [dear little old court which [we]_4536-we 've each bepaced so , this last couple of months]_{4535-dear little old court which we 've each bepaced so , this last couple of months} , to the tune of [our]_4536-we flights and [our]_4536-we drops , [our]_4536-we hesitations and [our]_4536-we plunges : [I]_2251-i shall hang about there , all impatience and excitement , please let [Sarah]_126-sarah know , till [she]_126-sarah graciously presents [herself]_126-sarah . Leave [me]_2251-i with [her]_126-sarah without fear , "_[2251-i] [he]_2251-i laughed ; " [I]_2251-i assure [you]_{504-the latter} [I]_2251-i sha n't hurt [her]_126-sarah . [I]_2251-i do n't think either [she]_126-sarah 'll hurt [ME]_2251-i : [I]_2251-i 'm in a situation in which damage was some time ago discounted . Besides , THAT is n't what worries [you]_{504-the latter} - but do n't , do n't explain ! [We]_4536-we 're all right as [we]_4536-we are : which was the degree of success [our]_4536-we adventure was pledged to for [each of [us]_4536-we]_{4537-each of us} . [We]_4536-we were n't , it seemed , all right as [we]_4536-we were before ; and [we]_4536-we 've got over the ground , all things considered , quickly . [I]_2251-i hope [you]_{504-the latter} 'll have a lovely time in [the Alps]_{64-the alps} . "_[2251-i] [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh fairly looked up at [him]_96-waymarsh as from the foot of [them]_2252-them . " [I]_96-waymarsh do n't know as [I]_96-waymarsh OUGHT really to go . "_{[96-waymarsh]} It was the conscience of [Milrose]_104-milrose in the very voice of [Milrose]_104-milrose , but , oh it was feeble and flat ! [Strether]_82-strether suddenly felt quite ashamed for [him]_96-waymarsh ; [he]_82-strether breathed a greater boldness . " LET [yourself]_{504-the latter} , on the contrary , go - in all agreeable directions . These are precious hours - at [our]_4536-we age [they]_2252-them may n't recur . Do n't have it to say to [yourself]_{504-the latter} at [Milrose]_104-milrose , next winter , that [you]_{504-the latter} had n't courage for [them]_2252-them . "_{[82-strether]} And then as [[his]_82-strether comrade]_{268-his comrade} queerly stared : " Live up to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . "_{[82-strether]} " Live up to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} ? "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether 're a great help to [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . "_{[96-waymarsh]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh looked at it as at one of the uncomfortable things that were certainly true and that it was yet ironical to say . " It 's more then than [you]_82-strether are . "_{[82-strether]} " That 's exactly [your]_82-strether own chance and advantage . Besides , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [I]_82-strether do in [my]_82-strether way contribute . [I]_82-strether know what [I]_82-strether 'm about . "_{[82-strether]} [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had kept on [his]_96-waymarsh great panama , and , as [he]_96-waymarsh now stood nearer the door , [his]_96-waymarsh last look beneath the shade of it had turned again to darkness and warning . " So do [I]_96-waymarsh ! See here , [Strether]_82-strether . "_{[96-waymarsh]} " [I]_96-waymarsh know what [you]_82-strether 're going to say . ' Quit this ' ? "_{[96-waymarsh]} " Quit this ! "_{[96-waymarsh]} But it lacked its old intensity ; nothing of it remained ; it went out of [the room]_{413-the room} with [him]_96-waymarsh . [III]_111-chad Almost the first thing , strangely enough , that , about an hour later , [Strether]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether doing in [Sarah]_126-sarah 's presence was to remark articulately on this failure , in [[their]_2255-their friend]_{2954-their friend} , of what had been superficially [his]_82-strether great distinction . It was as if - [he]_82-strether alluded of course to the grand manner - [the dear man]_{1634-the dear man} had sacrificed it to some other advantage ; which would be of course only for [himself]_82-strether to measure . It might be simply that [he]_82-strether was physically so much more sound than on [his]_82-strether first coming out ; this was all prosaic , comparatively cheerful and vulgar . And fortunately , if one came to that , [his]_82-strether improvement in health was really itself grander than any manner it could be conceived as having cost [him]_82-strether . " [You]_126-sarah [yourself]_126-sarah alone , [dear [Sarah]_126-sarah]_{4538-dear sarah} "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether took the plunge - " have done [him]_82-strether , it strikes [me]_82-strether , in these three weeks , as much good as all the rest of [his]_82-strether time together . "_{[82-strether]} It was a plunge because somehow the range of reference was , in the conditions , " funny , "_{[82-strether]} and made funnier still by [Sarah]_126-sarah 's attitude , by the turn the occasion had , with [her]_126-sarah appearance , so sensibly taken . [Her]_126-sarah appearance was really indeed funnier than anything else - the spirit in which [he]_82-strether felt [her]_126-sarah to be there as soon as [she]_126-sarah was there , the shade of obscurity that cleared up for [him]_82-strether as soon as [he]_82-strether was seated with [her]_126-sarah in [the small salon de lecture]_{2258-the small salon de lecture} that had , for the most part , in all the weeks , witnessed the wane of [his]_82-strether early vivacity of discussion with [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh . It was an immense thing , quite a tremendous thing , for [her]_126-sarah to have come : this truth opened out to [him]_82-strether in spite of [his]_82-strether having already arrived for [himself]_82-strether at a fairly vivid view of it . [He]_82-strether had done exactly what [he]_82-strether had given [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh [his]_82-strether word for - had walked and re - walked [the court]_{3762-the court} while [he]_82-strether awaited [her]_126-sarah advent ; acquiring in this exercise an amount of light that affected [him]_82-strether at the time as flooding the scene . [She]_126-sarah had decided upon the step in order to give [him]_82-strether the benefit of a doubt , in order to be able to say to [[her]_126-sarah mother]_{3347-her mother} that [she]_126-sarah had , even to abjectness , smoothed the way for [him]_82-strether . The doubt had been as to whether [he]_82-strether might n't take [her]_126-sarah as not having smoothed it - and the admonition had possibly come from [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's more detached spirit . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh had at any rate , certainly , thrown [his]_96-waymarsh weight into the scale - [he]_96-waymarsh had pointed to the importance of depriving [[their]_2261-their friend]_{2954-their friend} of a grievance . [She]_126-sarah had done justice to the plea , and it was to set [herself]_126-sarah right with a high ideal that [she]_126-sarah actually sat there in [her]_126-sarah state . [Her]_126-sarah calculation was sharp in the immobility with which [she]_126-sarah held [her]_126-sarah tall parasol - stick upright and at arm 's length , quite as if [she]_126-sarah had struck the place to plant [her]_126-sarah flag ; in the separate precautions [she]_126-sarah took not to show as nervous ; in the aggressive repose in which [she]_126-sarah did quite nothing but wait for [him]_82-strether . Doubt ceased to be possible from the moment [he]_82-strether had taken in that [she]_126-sarah had arrived with no proposal whatever ; that [her]_126-sarah concern was simply to show what [she]_126-sarah had come to receive . [She]_126-sarah had come to receive [his]_82-strether submission , and [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh was to have made it plain to [him]_82-strether that [she]_126-sarah would expect nothing less . [He]_82-strether saw fifty things , [[her]_126-sarah host]_{2263-her host} , at this convenient stage ; but one of those [he]_82-strether most saw was that [[their]_2264-their anxious friend]_{2265-their anxious friend} had n't quite had the hand required of [him]_82-strether . [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh HAD , however , uttered the request that [she]_126-sarah might find [him]_82-strether mild , and while hanging about [the court]_{3762-the court} before [her]_126-sarah arrival [he]_82-strether had turned over with zeal the different ways in which [he]_82-strether could be so . The difficulty was that if [he]_82-strether was mild [he]_82-strether was n't , for [her]_126-sarah purpose , conscious . If [she]_126-sarah wished [him]_82-strether conscious - as everything about [her]_126-sarah cried aloud that [she]_126-sarah did - [she]_126-sarah must accordingly be at costs to make [him]_82-strether so . Conscious [he]_82-strether was , for [himself]_82-strether - but only of too many things ; so [she]_126-sarah must choose the one [she]_126-sarah required . [Practically]_{190-practically} , however , it at last got itself named , and when once that had happened [they]_2267-their were quite at the centre of [their]_2267-their situation . One thing had really done as well as another ; when [Strether]_82-strether had spoken of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's leaving [him]_82-strether , and that had necessarily brought on a reference to [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's similar intention , the jump was but short to supreme lucidity . Light became indeed after that so intense that [Strether]_82-strether would doubtless have but half made out , in the prodigious glare , by which of the two the issue had been in fact precipitated . It was , in [[their]_2267-their contracted quarters]_{2268-their contracted quarters} , as much there between [them]_2267-their as if it had been something suddenly spilled with a crash and a splash on the floor . The form of [his]_82-strether submission was to be an engagement to acquit [himself]_82-strether within the twenty - four hours . " [He]_111-chad 'll go in a moment if [you]_126-sarah give [him]_111-chad the word - [he]_111-chad assures [me]_82-strether on [his]_111-chad honour [he]_111-chad 'll do that "_{[82-strether]} : this came in its order , out of its order , in respect to [Chad]_111-chad , after the crash had occurred . It came repeatedly during the time taken by [Strether]_82-strether to feel that [he]_82-strether was even more fixed in [his]_82-strether rigour than [he]_82-strether had supposed - the time [he]_82-strether was not above adding to a little by telling [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} that such a way of putting it on [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} brother]_{4203-her brother} 's part left [him]_82-strether sufficiently surprised . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} was n't at all funny at last - [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was really fine ; and [he]_82-strether felt easily where [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was strong - strong for [herself]_{113-mrs. pocock} . It had n't yet so come [home]_2874-home to [him]_82-strether that [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was nobly and appointedly officious . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} was acting in interests grander and clearer than that of [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} poor little personal , poor little Parisian equilibrium]_{2271-her poor little personal , poor little parisian equilibrium} , and all [his]_82-strether consciousness of [[her]_{113-mrs. pocock} mother]_{3347-her mother} 's moral pressure profited by this proof of its sustaining force . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} would be held up ; [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} would be strengthened ; [he]_82-strether need n't in the least be anxious for [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} . What would once more have been distinct to [him]_82-strether had [he]_82-strether tried to make it so was that , as [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} was essentially all moral pressure , the presence of this element was almost identical with [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} own presence . It was n't perhaps that [he]_82-strether felt [he]_82-strether was dealing with [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} straight , but it was certainly as if [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} had been dealing straight with [HIM]_82-strether . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} was reaching [him]_82-strether somehow by the lengthened arm of the spirit , and [he]_82-strether was having to that extent to take [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} into account ; but [he]_82-strether was n't reaching [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} in turn , not making [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} take [HIM]_82-strether ; [he]_82-strether was only reaching [Sarah]_126-sarah , who appeared to take so little of [him]_82-strether . " Something has clearly passed between [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} and [Chad]_111-chad , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether presently said , " that [I]_82-strether think [I]_82-strether ought to know something more about . Does [he]_111-chad put it all , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether smiled , " on [me]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} " Did [you]_82-strether come out , "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} asked , " to put it all on [HIM]_111-chad ? "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} But [he]_82-strether replied to this no further than , after an instant , by saying : " Oh it 's all right . [Chad]_111-chad [I]_82-strether mean 's all right in having said to [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} - well anything [he]_111-chad may have said . [I]_82-strether 'll TAKE it all - what [he]_111-chad does put on [me]_82-strether . Only [I]_82-strether must see [him]_111-chad before [I]_82-strether see [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} again . "_{[82-strether]} [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} hesitated , but [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} brought it out . " Is it absolutely necessary [you]_82-strether should see [me]_{113-mrs. pocock} again ? "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} " Certainly , if [I]_{113-mrs. pocock} 'm to give [you]_82-strether any definite word about anything . "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} " Is it [your]_2273-your idea then , "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} returned , " that [I]_{113-mrs. pocock} shall keep on meeting [you]_2273-your only to be exposed to fresh humiliation ? "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [He]_2273-your fixed [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} a longer time . " Are [your]_{113-mrs. pocock} instructions from [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} that [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} shall , even at the worst , absolutely and irretrievably break with [me]_2273-your ? "_[2273-your] " [My]_2274-her instructions from [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} are , if [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} please , [my]_2274-her affair . [You]_{113-mrs. pocock} know perfectly what [your]_{113-mrs. pocock} own were , and [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} can judge for [yourself]_{113-mrs. pocock} of what it can do for [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} to have made what [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} have of [them]_4539-them . [You]_{113-mrs. pocock} can perfectly see , at any rate , [I]_2274-her 'll go so far as to say , that if [I]_2274-her wish not to expose [myself]_2274-her [I]_2274-her must wish still less to expose [HER]_2274-her . "_[2274-her] [She]_2274-her had already said more than [she]_2274-her had quite expected ; but , though [she]_2274-her had also pulled up , the colour in [her]_2274-her face showed [him]_2275-he [he]_2275-he should from one moment to the other have it all . [He]_2275-he now indeed felt the high importance of [his]_2275-he having it . " What is [your]_2275-he conduct , "_[2274-her] [she]_2274-her broke out as if to explain - " what is [your]_2275-he conduct but an outrage to [women like [US]_4541-us]_{4540-women like us} ? [I]_2274-her mean [your]_2275-he acting as if there can be a doubt - as between [us]_4541-us and such another - of [his]_2275-he duty ? "_[2274-her] [He]_2275-he thought a moment . It was rather much to deal with at once ; not only the question itself , but the sore abysses it revealed . " Of course they 're totally different kinds of duty . "_[2274-her] " And do [you]_2275-he pretend that [he]_2275-he has any at all - to such another ? "_[2274-her] " Do [you]_2275-he mean to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_[2275-he] [He]_2275-he uttered the name not to affront [her]_2274-her , but yet again to gain time - time that [he]_2275-he needed for taking in something still other and larger than [her]_2274-her demand of a moment before . It was n't at once that [he]_2275-he could see all that was in [her]_2274-her actual challenge ; but when [he]_2275-he did [he]_2275-he found [himself]_2275-he just checking a low vague sound , a sound which was perhaps the nearest approach [his]_2275-he vocal chords had ever known to a growl . [Everything Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} had failed to give a sign of recognising in [Chad]_111-chad as a particular part of a transformation - everything that had lent intention to this particular failure - affected [him]_2275-he as gathered into a large loose bundle and thrown , in [her]_2274-her words , into [his]_2275-he face . The missile made [him]_2275-he to that extent catch [his]_2275-he breath ; which however [he]_2275-he presently recovered . " Why when [a woman]_{3063-a woman} 's at once so charming and so beneficent - "_[2274-her] " [You]_2275-he can sacrifice [mothers]_4543-mothers and [sisters]_4544-sisters to [her]_{3063-a woman} without a blush and can make [them]_4545-them cross [the ocean]_{4546-the ocean} on purpose to feel the more and take from [you]_2275-he the straighter , HOW [you]_2275-he do it ? "_[2274-her] Yes , [she]_2274-her had taken [him]_2275-he up as short and as sharply as that , but [he]_2275-he tried not to flounder in [her]_2274-her grasp . " [I]_2275-he do n't think there 's anything [I]_2275-he 've done in any such calculated way as [you]_2274-her describe . Everything has come as a sort of indistinguishable part of everything else . [Your]_2274-her coming out belonged closely to [my]_2275-he having come before [you]_2274-her , and [my]_2275-he having come was a result of [our]_4547-our general state of mind . [Our]_4547-our general state of mind had proceeded , on its side , from [our]_4547-our queer ignorance , [our]_4547-our queer misconceptions and confusions - from which , since then , an inexorable tide of light seems to have floated [us]_4547-our into [our]_4547-our perhaps still queerer knowledge . Do n't [you]_2276-her LIKE [[your]_2276-her brother]_{1787-your brother} as [he]_{1787-your brother} is , "_[2275-he] [he]_2275-he went on , " and have n't [you]_2276-her given [[your]_2276-her mother]_{1043-your mother} an intelligible account of all that that comes to ? "_[2275-he] It put to [her]_2276-her also , doubtless , [his]_2275-he own tone , too many things , this at least would have been the case had n't [his]_2275-he final challenge directly helped [her]_2276-her . Everything , at the stage [they]_2277-they had reached , directly helped [her]_2276-her , because everything betrayed in [him]_2275-he such a basis of intention . [He]_2275-he saw - the odd way things came out ! - that [he]_2275-he would have been held less monstrous had [he]_2275-he only been a little wilder . What exposed [him]_2275-he was just [his]_2275-he poor old trick of quiet inwardness , what exposed [him]_2275-he was [his]_2275-he THINKING such offence . [He]_2275-he had n't in the least however the desire to irritate that [Sarah]_126-sarah imputed to [him]_2275-he , and [he]_2275-he could only at last temporise , for the moment , with [her]_2276-her indignant view . [She]_2276-her was altogether more inflamed than [he]_2275-he had expected , and [he]_2275-he would probably understand this better when [he]_2275-he should learn what had occurred for [her]_2276-her with [Chad]_111-chad . Till then [her]_2276-her view of [his]_2275-he particular blackness , [her]_2276-her clear surprise at [his]_2275-he not clutching the pole [she]_2276-her held out , must pass as extravagant . " [I]_2276-her leave [you]_2275-he to flatter [yourself]_2275-he , "_[2276-her] [she]_2276-her returned , " that what [you]_2275-he speak of is what [YOU'VE]_2275-he beautifully done . When a thing has been already described in such a lovely way - ! "_[2276-her] But [she]_2276-her caught [herself]_2276-her up , and [her]_2276-her comment on [his]_2275-he description rang out sufficiently loud . " Do [you]_2275-he consider [her]_2276-her even an apology for [a decent woman]_{4550-a decent woman} ? "_[2276-her] Ah there it was at last ! [She]_2276-her put the matter more crudely than , for [his]_2275-he own mixed purposes , [he]_2275-he had yet had to do ; but essentially it was all one matter . It was so much - so much ; and [she]_2276-her treated it , [poor lady]_{2278-poor lady} , as so little . [He]_2275-he grew conscious , as [he]_2275-he was now apt to do , of a strange smile , and the next moment [he]_2275-he found [himself]_2275-he talking like [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} . " [She]_2276-her has struck [me]_2275-he from the first as wonderful . [I]_2275-he 've been thinking too moreover that , after all , [she]_2276-her would probably have represented even for [yourself]_{113-mrs. pocock} something rather new and rather good . "_[2275-he] [He]_2275-he was to have given [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} with this , however , but [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} best opportunity for a sound of derision . " Rather new ? [I]_{113-mrs. pocock} hope so with all [my]_{113-mrs. pocock} heart ! "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} " [I]_2275-he mean , "_[2275-he] [he]_2275-he explained , " that [she]_2276-her might have affected [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} by [her]_2276-her exquisite amiability - a real revelation , it has seemed to [myself]_2275-he ; [her]_2276-her high rarity , [her]_2276-her distinction of every sort . "_[2275-he] [He]_2275-he had been , with these words , consciously a little " precious "_[2275-he] ; but [he]_2275-he had had to be - [he]_2275-he could n't give [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} the truth of the case without them ; and it seemed to [him]_2275-he moreover now that [he]_2275-he did n't care . [He]_2275-he had at all events not served [his]_2275-he cause , for [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} sprang at its exposed side . " A ' revelation ' - to [ME]_{113-mrs. pocock} : [I]_{113-mrs. pocock} 've come to [such a woman]_{1487-such a woman} for a revelation ? [You]_{113-mrs. pocock} talk to [me]_{113-mrs. pocock} about ' distinction ' - [YOU]_{113-mrs. pocock} , [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} who 've had [your]_{113-mrs. pocock} privilege ? - when [the most distinguished woman [we]_4553-we shall either of [us]_4553-we have seen in [this world]_{4554-this world}]_{4552-the most distinguished woman we shall either of us have seen in this world} sits there insulted , in [her]_{4552-the most distinguished woman we shall either of us have seen in this world} loneliness , by [your]_{113-mrs. pocock} incredible comparison ! "_{[113-mrs. pocock]} [Strether]_82-strether forbore , with an effort , from straying ; but [he]_82-strether looked all about [him]_82-strether . " Does [[your]_126-sarah mother]_{1043-your mother} [herself]_{1043-your mother} make the point that [she]_{1043-your mother} sits insulted ? "_{[82-strether]} [Sarah]_126-sarah 's answer came so straight , so " pat , "_[126-sarah] as might have been said , that [he]_82-strether felt on the instant its origin . " [She]_{1043-your mother} has confided to [my]_126-sarah judgement and [my]_126-sarah tenderness the expression of [her]_{1043-your mother} personal sense of everything , and the assertion of [her]_{1043-your mother} personal dignity . "_[126-sarah] They were the very words of [the lady of [Woollett]_87-woollett]_{1613-the lady of woollett} - [he]_82-strether would have known them in a thousand ; [her]_{1613-the lady of woollett} parting charge to [[her]_{1613-the lady of woollett} child]_{3709-her child} . [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} accordingly spoke to this extent by book , and the fact immensely moved [him]_82-strether . " If [she]_{1043-your mother} does really feel as [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} say it 's of course very very dreadful . [I]_82-strether 've given sufficient proof , [one]_2797-one would have thought , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added , " of [my]_82-strether deep admiration for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . "_{[82-strether]} " And pray what proof would [one]_2797-one have thought [you]_{113-mrs. pocock} 'd CALL sufficient ? That of thinking [this person here]_{4558-this person here} so far superior to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether wondered again ; [he]_82-strether waited . " [Ah]_4559-ah dear [Sarah]_126-sarah , [you]_126-sarah must LEAVE [me]_82-strether [this person]_{4560-this person} [here]_3103-here ! "_{[82-strether]} In [his]_82-strether desire to avoid all vulgar retorts , to show how , even perversely , [he]_82-strether clung to [his]_82-strether rag of reason , [he]_82-strether had softly almost wailed this plea . Yet [he]_82-strether knew it to be perhaps the most positive declaration [he]_82-strether had ever made in [his]_82-strether life , and [[his]_82-strether visitor]_{430-his visitor} 's reception of it virtually gave [it]_2282-it that importance . " That 's exactly what [I]_2283-her 'm delighted to do . [God]_184-god knows [WE]_4562-we do n't want [her]_{4560-this person} ! [You]_82-strether take good care not to meet , "_[2283-her] [she]_2283-her observed in a still higher key , " [my]_2283-her question about [their]_4562-we life . If [you]_82-strether do consider it a thing [one]_2797-one can even SPEAK of , [I]_2283-her congratulate [you]_82-strether on [your]_82-strether taste ! "_[2283-her] The life [she]_2283-her alluded to was of course [Chad]_111-chad 's and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's , which [she]_2283-her thus bracketed together in a way that made [him]_82-strether wince a little ; there being nothing for [him]_82-strether but to take home [her]_2283-her full intention . It was none the less [his]_82-strether inconsequence that while [he]_82-strether had [himself]_82-strether been enjoying for weeks the view of [the brilliant woman]_{2284-the brilliant woman} 's specific action , [he]_82-strether just suffered from any characterisation of it by other lips . " [I]_82-strether think tremendously well of [her]_{2284-the brilliant woman} , at the same time that [I]_82-strether seem to feel [her]_{2284-the brilliant woman} ' life ' to be really none of [my]_82-strether business . It 's [my]_82-strether business , that is , only so far as [Chad]_111-chad 's own life is affected by it ; and what has happened , do n't [you]_2283-her see ? is that [Chad]_111-chad 's has been affected so beautifully . The proof of the pudding 's in the eating "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether tried , with no great success , to help it out with a touch of pleasantry , while [she]_2283-her let [him]_82-strether go on as if to sink and sink . [He]_82-strether went on however well enough , as well as [he]_82-strether could do without fresh counsel ; [he]_82-strether indeed should n't stand quite firm , [he]_82-strether felt , till [he]_82-strether should have re - established [his]_82-strether communications with [Chad]_111-chad . Still , [he]_82-strether could always speak for [the woman [he]_82-strether had so definitely promised to ' save]_{2285-the woman he had so definitely promised to ' save} . " This was n't quite for [her]_2283-her the air of salvation ; but as that chill fairly deepened what did it become but a reminder that one might at the worst perish WITH [her]_2283-her ? And it was simple enough - it was rudimentary : not , not to give [her]_2283-her away . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i find in [her]_2283-her more merits than [you]_2286-you would probably have patience with [my]_0-i counting over . And do [you]_2286-you know , " [he]_82-strether enquired , "_[2286-you] the effect [you]_2286-you produce on [me]_0-i by alluding to [her]_2283-her in such terms ? It 's as if [you]_2286-you had some motive in not recognising all [she]_2283-her has done for [[your]_2286-you brother]_{1787-your brother} , and so shut [your]_2286-you eyes to each side of the matter , in order , whichever side comes up , to get rid of the other . [I]_0-i do n't , [you]_2286-you must allow [me]_0-i to say , see how [you]_2286-you can with any pretence to candour get rid of the side nearest [you]_2286-you . " "_[2286-you] Near [me]_0-i - THAT sort of thing ? " And [Sarah]_126-sarah gave a jerk back of [her]_126-sarah head that well might have nullified any active proximity . It kept [[her]_126-sarah friend]_{547-her friend} [himself]_{547-her friend} at [his]_{547-her friend} distance , and [he]_{547-her friend} respected for a moment the interval . Then with a last persuasive effort [he]_{547-her friend} bridged it . "_[2286-you] [You]_0-i do n't , on [your]_0-i honour , appreciate [Chad]_111-chad 's fortunate development ? " "_[111-chad] Fortunate ? " [she]_126-sarah echoed again . And indeed [she]_126-sarah was prepared . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i call it hideous . " [Her]_126-sarah departure had been for some minutes marked as imminent , and [she]_126-sarah was already at the door that stood open to [the court]_{3762-the court} , from the threshold of which [she]_126-sarah delivered [herself]_126-sarah of this judgement . It rang out so loud as to produce for the time the hush of everything else . [Strether]_82-strether quite , as an effect of it , breathed less bravely ; [he]_82-strether could acknowledge it , but simply enough . "_[0-i] Oh if [you]_0-i think THAT - ! " "_[0-i] Then all 's at an end ? So much the better . [I]_0-i do think that ! " [She]_126-sarah passed out as [she]_126-sarah spoke and took [her]_126-sarah way straight across [the court]_{3762-the court} , beyond which , separated from [them]_4567-them by the deep arch of the porte - cochere the low victoria that had conveyed [her]_126-sarah from [[her]_126-sarah own hotel]_{4568-her own hotel} was drawn up . [She]_126-sarah made for it with decision , and the manner of [her]_126-sarah break , the sharp shaft of [her]_126-sarah rejoinder , had an intensity by which [Strether]_82-strether was at first kept in arrest . [She]_126-sarah had let fly at [him]_82-strether as from a stretched cord , and it took [him]_82-strether a minute to recover from the sense of being pierced . It was not the penetration of surprise ; it was that , much more , of certainty ; [his]_82-strether case being put for [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether had as yet only put it to [himself]_82-strether . [She]_126-sarah was away at any rate ; [she]_126-sarah had distanced [him]_82-strether - with rather a grand spring , an effect of pride and ease , after all ; [she]_126-sarah had got into [[her]_126-sarah carriage]_{4335-her carriage} before [he]_82-strether could overtake [her]_126-sarah , and [the vehicle]_{4570-the vehicle} was already in motion . [He]_82-strether stopped halfway ; [he]_82-strether stood there in [the court]_{3762-the court} only seeing [her]_126-sarah go and noting that [she]_126-sarah gave [him]_82-strether no other look . The way [he]_82-strether had put it to [himself]_82-strether was that all quite MIGHT be at an end . Each of [her]_126-sarah movements , in this resolute rupture , reaffirmed , re - enforced that idea . [Sarah]_126-sarah passed out of sight in [the sunny street]_{4572-the sunny street} while , planted there in [the centre of [the comparatively grey court]_{4574-the comparatively grey court}]_{4573-the centre of the comparatively grey court} , [he]_82-strether continued merely to look before [him]_82-strether . It probably WAS all at an end . Book Eleventh Note : In the 1909 New [York]_65-york Edition the following two chapters were placed in the reverse of the order appearing below . Since 1950 , [most scholars]_{4575-most scholars} have agreed , because of the internal evidence of the two chapters , that an editorial error caused them to be printed in reverse order . This Etext , like other editions of the past four decades , corrects the apparent error . - [Richard D. Hathaway]_{191-richard d. hathaway} , preparer of this electronic text I [He]_82-strether went late that evening to [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} , having [his]_82-strether impression that it would be vain to go early , and having also , more than once in the course of the day , made enquiries of [the concierge]_{903-the concierge} . [Chad]_111-chad had n't come in and had left no intimation ; [he]_111-chad had affairs , apparently , at this juncture - as it occurred to [Strether]_82-strether [he]_111-chad so well might have - that kept [him]_111-chad long abroad . [[Our]_4578-our friend]_{235-our friend} asked once for [him]_111-chad at [the hotel in [the Rue de Rivoli]_{4581-the rue de rivoli}]_{4580-the hotel in the rue de rivoli} , but the only contribution offered there was the fact that [every one]_{659-every one} was out . It was with the idea that [he]_111-chad would have to come [home]_2874-home to sleep that [Strether]_82-strether went up to [[his]_82-strether rooms]_{4584-his rooms} , from which however [he]_82-strether was still absent , though , from [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , a few moments later , [[his]_82-strether visitor]_{430-his visitor} heard eleven o'clock strike . [[Chad]_111-chad 's servant]_{4587-chad 's servant} had by this time answered for [his]_111-chad reappearance ; [he]_111-chad HAD , [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} learned , come quickly in to dress for dinner and vanish again . [Strether]_82-strether spent an hour in waiting for [him]_111-chad - an hour full of strange suggestions , persuasions , recognitions ; one of those that [he]_82-strether was to recall , at the end of [his]_82-strether adventure , as the particular handful that most had counted . The mellowest lamplight and the easiest chair had been placed at [his]_82-strether disposal by [Baptiste]_192-baptiste , subtlest of [servants]_{4589-servants} ; the novel half - uncut , the novel lemon - coloured and tender , with the ivory knife athwart it like the dagger in a contadina 's hair , had been pushed within the soft circle - a circle which , for some reason , affected [Strether]_82-strether as softer still after the same [Baptiste]_192-baptiste had remarked that in the absence of a further need of anything by [Monsieur]_{4590-monsieur} [he]_82-strether would betake [himself]_82-strether to bed . The night was hot and heavy and the single lamp sufficient ; the great flare of [the lighted city]_{4591-the lighted city} , rising high , spending itself afar , played up from [the Boulevard]_{1346-the boulevard} and , through the vague vista of [the successive rooms]_{4593-the successive rooms} , brought objects into view and added to their dignity . [Strether]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether in possession as [he]_82-strether never yet had been ; [he]_82-strether had been there alone , had turned over books and prints , had invoked , in [Chad]_111-chad 's absence , the spirit of [the place]_{2826-the place} , but never at the witching hour and never with a relish quite so like a pang . [He]_82-strether spent a long time on [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} ; [he]_82-strether hung over [it]_{857-the balcony} as [he]_82-strether had seen [little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} hang the day of [his]_82-strether first approach , as [he]_82-strether had seen [Mamie]_97-mamie hang over [her]_97-mamie own the day [little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} [himself]_82-strether might have seen [her]_97-mamie from below ; [he]_82-strether passed back into [the rooms]_{4596-the rooms} , the three that occupied the front and that communicated by wide doors ; and , while [he]_82-strether circulated and rested , tried to recover the impression that [they]_4597-they had made on [him]_82-strether three months before , to catch again the voice in which [they]_4597-they had seemed then to speak to [him]_82-strether . That voice , [he]_82-strether had to note , failed audibly to sound ; which [he]_82-strether took as the proof of all the change in [himself]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether had heard , of old , only what [he]_82-strether COULD then hear ; what [he]_82-strether could do now was to think of three months ago as a point in the far past . All voices had grown thicker and meant more things ; [they]_4597-they crowded on [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether moved about - it was the way [they]_4597-they sounded together that would n't let [him]_82-strether be still . [He]_82-strether felt , strangely , as sad as if [he]_82-strether had come for some wrong , and yet as excited as if [he]_82-strether had come for some freedom . But the freedom was what was most in [the place]_{2826-the place} and the hour , it was the freedom that most brought [him]_82-strether round again to [the youth of [his]_82-strether own]_{4599-the youth of his own} that [he]_82-strether had long ago missed . [He]_82-strether could have explained little enough to - day either why [he]_82-strether had missed it or why , after years and years , [he]_82-strether should care that [he]_82-strether had ; the main truth of the actual appeal of everything was none the less that everything represented the substance of [his]_82-strether loss put it within reach , within touch , made it , to a degree it had never been , an affair of the senses . That was what it became for [him]_82-strether at this singular time , [the youth [he]_82-strether had long ago missed]_{4600-the youth he had long ago missed} - a queer concrete presence , full of mystery , yet full of reality , which [he]_82-strether could handle , taste , smell , the deep breathing of which [he]_82-strether could positively hear . It was in the outside air as well as within ; it was in the long watch , from [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , in the summer night , of the wide late life of [Paris]_1-paris , the unceasing soft quick rumble , below , of the little lighted carriages that , in the press , always suggested [the gamblers [he]_82-strether had seen of old at [Monte Carlo]_{66-monte carlo}]_{4602-the gamblers he had seen of old at monte carlo} pushing up to the tables . This image was before [him]_82-strether when [he]_82-strether at last became aware that [Chad]_111-chad was behind . "_[2288-she] [She]_2288-she tells [me]_0-i [you]_2289-you put it all on [ME]_0-i " - [he]_82-strether had arrived after this promptly enough at that information ; which expressed the case however quite as [the young man]_{2833-the young man} appeared willing for the moment to leave it . Other things , with this advantage of [their]_4604-their virtually having the night before [them]_4604-their , came up for [them]_4604-their , and had , as well , the odd effect of making the occasion , instead of hurried and feverish , one of the largest , loosest and easiest to which [Strether]_82-strether 's whole adventure was to have treated [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether had been pursuing [Chad]_111-chad from an early hour and had overtaken [him]_82-strether only now ; but now the delay was repaired by [their]_4604-their being so exceptionally confronted . [They]_4604-their had foregathered enough of course in all the various times ; [they]_4604-their had again and again , since that first night at [the theatre]_{569-the theatre} , been face to face over [their]_4604-their question ; but [they]_4604-their had never been so alone together as [they]_4604-their were actually alone - [their]_4604-their talk had n't yet been so supremely for [themselves]_4604-their . And if many things moreover passed before [them]_4604-their , none passed more distinctly for [Strether]_82-strether than that striking truth about [Chad]_111-chad of which [he]_82-strether had been so often moved to take note : the truth that everything came happily back with [him]_82-strether to [his]_82-strether knowing how to live . [It]_4606-it had been seated in [his]_82-strether pleased smile - a smile that pleased exactly in the right degree - as [[his]_82-strether visitor]_{430-his visitor} turned round , on [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , to greet [[his]_82-strether advent]_{4609-his advent} ; [[his]_82-strether visitor]_{430-his visitor} in fact felt on the spot that there was nothing [their]_4604-their meeting would so much do as bear witness to [that facility]_{4611-that facility} . [He]_82-strether surrendered [himself]_82-strether accordingly to so approved a gift ; for what was the meaning of [the facility]_{4612-the facility} but that others DID surrender [themselves]_{4613-themselves} ? [He]_82-strether did n't want , luckily , to prevent [Chad]_111-chad from living ; but [he]_82-strether was quite aware that even if [he]_82-strether had [he]_82-strether would [himself]_82-strether have thoroughly gone to pieces . It was in truth essentially by bringing down [his]_82-strether personal life to a function all subsidiary to [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's own that [he]_82-strether held together . And the great point , above all , the sign of how completely [Chad]_111-chad possessed the knowledge in question , was that one thus became , not only with a proper cheerfulness , but with wild native impulses , the feeder of [his]_82-strether stream . [Their]_4604-their talk had accordingly not lasted three minutes without [Strether]_82-strether 's feeling basis enough for the excitement in which [he]_82-strether had waited . This overflow fairly deepened , wastefully abounded , as [he]_82-strether observed the smallness of anything corresponding to it on the part of [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} . That was exactly [this friend]_{397-this friend} 's happy case ; [he]_82-strether "_[2288-she] put out " [his]_82-strether excitement , or whatever other emotion the matter involved , as [he]_82-strether put out [his]_82-strether washing ; than which no arrangement could make more for domestic order . It was quite for [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether in short to feel a personal analogy with [the laundress]_{4617-the laundress} bringing home the triumphs of [the mangle]_{4618-the mangle} . When [he]_82-strether had reported on [Sarah]_126-sarah 's visit , which [he]_82-strether did very fully , [Chad]_111-chad answered [his]_111-chad question with perfect candour . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i positively referred [her]_2290-her to [you]_2291-you - told [her]_2290-her [she]_2290-her must absolutely see [you]_2291-you . This was last night , and it all took place in ten minutes . It was [our]_2292-our first free talk - really the first time [she]_2290-her had tackled [me]_0-i . [She]_2290-her knew [I]_0-i also knew what [her]_2290-her line had been with [yourself]_2291-you ; knew moreover how little [you]_2291-you had been doing to make anything difficult for [her]_2290-her . So [I]_0-i spoke for [you]_2291-you frankly - assured [her]_2290-her [you]_2291-you were all at [her]_2290-her service . [I]_0-i assured [her]_2290-her [I]_0-i was too , " [the young man]_{2833-the young man} continued ; "_[0-i] and [I]_0-i pointed out how [she]_2290-her could perfectly , at any time , have got at [me]_0-i . [Her]_2290-her difficulty has been simply [her]_2290-her not finding the moment [she]_2290-her fancied . " "_[2290-her] [Her]_2290-her difficulty , " [Strether]_82-strether returned , "_[2290-her] has been simply that [she]_2290-her finds [she]_2290-her 's afraid of [you]_2291-you . [She]_2290-her 's not afraid of [ME]_0-i , [Sarah]_126-sarah , one little scrap ; and it was just because [she]_2290-her has seen how [I]_0-i can fidget when [I]_0-i give [my]_0-i mind to it that [she]_2290-her has felt [her]_2290-her best chance , rightly enough to be in making [me]_0-i as uneasy as possible . [I]_0-i think [she]_2290-her 's at bottom as pleased to HAVE [you]_2291-you put it on [me]_0-i as [you]_2291-you [yourself]_2291-you can possibly be to put it . " "_[2291-you] But what in [the world]_{2804-the world} , [[my]_0-i dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , " [Chad]_111-chad enquired in objection to this luminosity , "_[2291-you] have [I]_0-i done to make [Sally]_126-sarah afraid ? " "_[2291-you] [You]_2291-you 've been ' wonderful , wonderful , ' as [we]_2295-we say - [we]_2291-you poor [people who watch the play from the pit]_{2296-people who watch the play from the pit} ; and that 's what has , admirably , made [her]_126-sarah . Made [her]_126-sarah all the more effectually that [she]_126-sarah could see [you]_2291-you did n't set about it on purpose - [I]_0-i mean set about affecting [her]_126-sarah as with fear . " [Chad]_111-chad cast a pleasant backward glance over [his]_111-chad possibilities of motive . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've only wanted to be kind and friendly , to be decent and attentive - and [I]_0-i still only want to be . " [Strether]_82-strether smiled at [his]_111-chad comfortable clearness . "_[126-sarah] Well , there can certainly be no way for it better than by [my]_0-i taking the onus . It reduces [your]_2291-you personal friction and [your]_2291-you personal offence to almost nothing . " Ah but [Chad]_111-chad , with [his]_111-chad completer conception of [the friendly]_{4620-the friendly} , would n't quite have this ! [They]_2298-they had remained on [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} , where , after [their]_2298-they day of great and premature heat , the midnight air was delicious ; and [they]_2298-they leaned back in turn against the balustrade , all in harmony with the chairs and the flower - pots , the cigarettes and the starlight . "_[2297-yours] The onus is n't REALLY [yours]_2297-yours - after [our]_2298-they agreeing so to wait together and judge together . That was all [my]_0-i answer to [Sally]_126-sarah , " [Chad]_111-chad pursued - "_[0-i] that [we]_2298-they have been , that [we]_2298-they are , just judging together . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm not afraid of the burden , " [Strether]_82-strether explained ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have n't come in the least that [you]_2291-you should take it off [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i 've come very much , it seems to [me]_0-i , to double up [my]_0-i fore legs in the manner of the camel when [he]_2299-his gets down on [his]_2299-his knees to make [his]_2299-his back convenient . But [I]_0-i 've supposed [you]_2291-you all this while to have been doing a lot of special and private judging - about which [I]_0-i have n't troubled [you]_2291-you ; and [I]_0-i 've only wished to have [your]_2291-you conclusion first from [you]_2291-you . [I]_0-i do n't ask more than that ; [I]_0-i 'm quite ready to take it as it has come . " [Chad]_111-chad turned up [his]_111-chad face to the sky with a slow puff of [his]_111-chad smoke . "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i 've seen . " [Strether]_82-strether waited a little . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've left [you]_2291-you wholly alone ; have n't , [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i may say , since the first hour or two - when [I]_0-i merely preached patience - so much as breathed on [you]_2291-you . " "_[0-i] Oh [you]_0-i 've been awfully good ! " "_[0-i] [We]_2300-we 've both been good then - [we]_2300-we 've played the game . [We]_2300-we 've given [them]_2301-them the most liberal conditions . " "_[2300-we] Ah , " said [Chad]_111-chad , ' splendid conditions ! It was open to [them]_2301-them , open to [them]_2301-them "_[2291-you] - [he]_2291-you seemed to make it out , as [he]_2291-you smoked , with [his]_2291-you eyes still on the stars . [He]_2291-you might in quiet sport have been reading [their]_2301-them horoscope . [Strether]_82-strether wondered meanwhile what had been open to [them]_2301-them , and [he]_82-strether finally let [him]_2291-you have it . " It was open to [them]_2301-them simply to let [me]_82-strether alone ; to have made up [their]_2301-them minds , on really seeing [me]_82-strether for [themselves]_2301-them , that [I]_82-strether could go on well enough as [I]_82-strether was . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether assented to this proposition with full lucidity , [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's plural pronoun , which stood all for [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} and [[her]_{88-mrs. newsome} daughter]_{3444-her daughter} , having no ambiguity for [him]_82-strether . There was nothing , apparently , to stand for [Mamie]_97-mamie and [Jim]_118-jim ; and this added to [[our]_2304-our friend]_{235-our friend} 's sense of [Chad]_111-chad 's knowing what [he]_111-chad thought . " But [they]_2306-they 've made up [their]_2306-they minds to the opposite - that [you]_4622-you CAN'T go on as [you]_4622-you are . "_[111-chad] " No , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad continued in the same way ; " [they]_2306-they wo n't have it for a minute . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether on [his]_82-strether side also reflectively smoked . It was as if [their]_2306-they high place really represented some moral elevation from which [they]_2306-they could look down on [their]_2306-they recent past . " There never was the smallest chance , do [you]_82-strether know , that [they]_2306-they WOULD have it for a moment . "_{[82-strether]} " Of course not - no real chance . But if [they]_2306-they were willing to think there was - ! "_{[82-strether]} " [They]_2306-they were n't willing . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had worked it all out . " It was n't for [you]_4622-you [they]_2306-they came out , but for [me]_82-strether . It was n't to see for [themselves]_2306-they what [you]_4622-you 're doing , but what [I]_82-strether 'm doing . The first branch of [their]_2306-they curiosity was inevitably destined , under [my]_82-strether culpable delay , to give way to the second ; and it 's on the second that , if [I]_82-strether may use the expression and [you]_4622-you do n't mind [my]_82-strether marking the invidious fact , [they]_2306-they 've been of late exclusively perched . When [Sarah]_126-sarah sailed it was [me]_82-strether , in other words , [they]_2306-they were after . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad took it in both with intelligence and with indulgence . " It IS rather a business then - what [I]_82-strether 've let [you]_111-chad in for ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had again a brief pause ; which ended in a reply that seemed to dispose once for all of this element of compunction . [Chad]_111-chad was to treat it , at any rate , so far as [they]_2307-they were again together , as having done so . " [I]_111-chad was ' in ' when [you]_111-chad found [me]_111-chad . "_[111-chad] " Ah but it was [you]_111-chad , "_{[2833-the young man]} [the young man]_{2833-the young man} laughed , " who found [ME]_{2833-the young man} . "_{[2833-the young man]} " [I]_82-strether only found [you]_111-chad out . It was [you]_111-chad who found [me]_82-strether in . It was all in the day 's work for [them]_4623-they , at all events , that [they]_4623-they should come . And [they]_4623-they 've greatly enjoyed it , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether declared . " Well , [I]_111-chad 've tried to make them , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad . [[His]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} did [himself]_111-chad presently the same justice . " So have [I.]_111-chad [I]_111-chad tried even this very morning - while [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} was with [me]_111-chad . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} enjoys for instance , almost as much as anything else , not being , as [I]_111-chad 've said , afraid of [me]_111-chad ; and [I]_111-chad think [I]_111-chad gave [her]_{113-mrs. pocock} help in that . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad took a deeper interest . " Was [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} very very nasty ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether debated . " Well , [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was the most important thing - [she]_{113-mrs. pocock} was definite . [She]_{113-mrs. pocock} was - at last - crystalline . And [I]_82-strether felt no remorse . [I]_82-strether saw that [they]_4624-them must have come . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [I]_111-chad wanted to see [them]_4624-them for [myself]_111-chad ; so that if it were only for THAT - ! "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad 's own remorse was as small . This appeared almost all [Strether]_82-strether wanted . " Is n't [your]_111-chad having seen [them]_4624-them for [yourself]_111-chad then THE thing , beyond all others , that has come of [their]_4624-them visit ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad looked as if [he]_111-chad thought it nice of [[his]_111-chad old friend]_{3204-his old friend} to put it so . " Do n't [you]_111-chad count it as anything that [you]_111-chad 're dished - if [you]_111-chad ARE dished ? Are [you]_111-chad , [[my]_111-chad dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , dished ? "_[111-chad] It sounded as if [he]_111-chad were asking if [he]_111-chad had caught cold or hurt [his]_111-chad foot , and [Strether]_82-strether for a minute but smoked and smoked . " [I]_111-chad want to see [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} again . [I]_111-chad must see [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . "_[111-chad] " Of course [you]_111-chad must . "_[111-chad] Then [Chad]_111-chad hesitated . " Do [you]_111-chad mean - [a - Mother]_{4626-a - mother} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_[111-chad] " Oh [[your]_111-chad mother]_{1043-your mother} - that will depend . "_[111-chad] It was as if [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} had somehow been placed by the words very far off . [Chad]_111-chad however endeavoured in spite of this to reach [the place]_{2826-the place} . " What do [you]_111-chad mean it will depend on ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether , for all answer , gave [him]_111-chad a longish look . " [I]_82-strether was speaking of [Sarah]_126-sarah . [I]_82-strether must positively - though [she]_126-sarah quite cast [me]_82-strether off - see [HER]_126-sarah again . [I]_82-strether ca n't part with [her]_126-sarah that way . "_{[82-strether]} " Then [she]_126-sarah was awfully unpleasant ? "_{[82-strether]} Again [Strether]_82-strether exhaled . " [She]_126-sarah was what [she]_126-sarah had to be . [I]_111-chad mean that from the moment [they]_4628-they 're not delighted [they]_4628-they can only be - well what [I]_111-chad admit [she]_126-sarah was . [We]_4629-we gave [them]_4628-they , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad went on , " [their]_4628-they chance to be delighted , and [they]_4628-they 've walked up to it , and looked all round [it]_126-sarah , and not taken it . "_[111-chad] " [You]_82-strether can bring a horse to water - ! "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad suggested . " Precisely . And the tune to which this morning [Sarah]_126-sarah was n't delighted - the tune to which , to adopt [your]_82-strether metaphor , [she]_126-sarah refused to drink - leaves [us]_4629-we on that side nothing more to hope . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad had a pause , and then as if consolingly : " It was never of course really the least on the cards that [they]_4628-they would be ' delighted . ' "_[111-chad] " Well , [I]_82-strether do n't know , after all , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether mused . " [I]_82-strether 've had to come as far round . However "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether shook it off - " it 's doubtless [MY]_82-strether performance that 's absurd . "_{[82-strether]} " There are certainly moments , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad , " when [you]_82-strether seem to [me]_111-chad too good to be true . Yet if [you]_82-strether are true , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad added , " that seems to be all that need concern [me]_111-chad . "_[111-chad] " [I]_82-strether 'm true , but [I]_82-strether 'm incredible . [I]_82-strether 'm fantastic and ridiculous - [I]_82-strether do n't explain [myself]_82-strether even TO [myself]_82-strether . How can [they]_4630-they then , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether asked , " understand [me]_82-strether ? So [I]_82-strether do n't quarrel with [them]_4630-they . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_111-chad see . [They]_4630-they quarrel , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad rather comfortably , " with [US]_4631-us . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether noted once more the comfort , but [[his]_82-strether young friend]_{2784-his young friend} had already gone on . " [I]_{2784-his young friend} should feel greatly ashamed , all the same , if [I]_{2784-his young friend} did n't put it before [you]_{2784-his young friend} again that [you]_{2784-his young friend} ought to think , after all , tremendously well . [I]_{2784-his young friend} mean before giving up beyond recall - "_{[2784-his young friend]} With which insistence , as from a certain delicacy , dropped . Ah but [Strether]_82-strether wanted it . " Say it all , say it all . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , at [your]_{2784-his young friend} age , and with what - when all 's said and done - [Mother]_1139-mother might do for [you]_{2784-his young friend} and be for [you]_{2784-his young friend} . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad had said it all , from [his]_111-chad natural scruple , only to that extent ; so that [Strether]_82-strether after an instant [himself]_82-strether took a hand . " [My]_82-strether absence of an assured future . The little [I]_82-strether have to show toward the power to take care of [myself]_82-strether . The way , the wonderful way , [she]_1139-mother would certainly take care of [me]_82-strether . [Her]_1139-mother fortune , [her]_1139-mother kindness , and the constant miracle of [her]_1139-mother having been disposed to go even so far . Of course , of course "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether summed it up . " There are those sharp facts . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad had meanwhile thought of another still . " And do n't [you]_{259-his friend} really care - ? "_[111-chad] [[His]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} slowly turned round to [him]_111-chad . " Will [you]_111-chad go ? "_[111-chad] " [I]_82-strether 'll go if [you]_{259-his friend} 'll say [you]_{259-his friend} now consider [I]_82-strether should . [You]_{259-his friend} know , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether went on , " [I]_82-strether was ready six weeks ago . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " that was when [you]_111-chad did n't know [I]_82-strether was n't ! [You]_111-chad 're ready at present because [you]_111-chad do know it . "_{[82-strether]} " That may be , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad returned ; " but all the same [I]_82-strether 'm sincere . [You]_{259-his friend} talk about taking the whole thing on [your]_{259-his friend} shoulders , but in what light do [you]_{259-his friend} regard [me]_82-strether that [you]_{259-his friend} think [me]_82-strether capable of letting [you]_{259-his friend} pay ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether patted [his]_111-chad arm , as [they]_2314-they stood together against the parapet , reassuringly - seeming to wish to contend that [he]_111-chad HAD the wherewithal ; but it was again round this question of purchase and price that [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's sense of fairness continued to hover . " What it literally comes to for [you]_{259-his friend} , if [you]_{259-his friend} 'll pardon [my]_82-strether putting it so , is that [you]_{259-his friend} give up money . Possibly a good deal of money . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed , " if it were only just enough [you]_{259-his friend} 'd still be justified in putting it so ! But [I]_82-strether 've on [my]_82-strether side to remind [you]_{259-his friend} too that [YOU]_{259-his friend} give up money ; and more than ' possibly ' - quite certainly , as [I]_82-strether should suppose - a good deal . "_{[82-strether]} " True enough ; but [I]_111-chad 've got a certain quantity , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad returned after a moment . " Whereas [you]_{259-his friend} , [[my]_111-chad dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , [you]_{259-his friend} - "_[111-chad] " [I]_82-strether ca n't be at all said "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether took [him]_111-chad up - " to have a ' quantity ' certain or uncertain ? Very true . Still , [I]_82-strether sha n't starve . "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [you]_111-chad must n't STARVE ! "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad pacifically emphasised ; and so , in the pleasant conditions , [they]_2316-they continued to talk ; though there was , for that matter , a pause in which [the younger companion]_{2317-the younger companion} might have been taken as weighing again the delicacy of [his]_111-chad then and there promising [the elder]_{2318-the elder} some provision against the possibility just mentioned . This , however , [he]_111-chad presumably thought best not to do , for at the end of another minute [they]_2316-they had moved in quite a different direction . [Strether]_82-strether had broken in by returning to the subject of [Chad]_111-chad 's passage with [Sarah]_126-sarah and enquiring if [they]_2316-they had arrived , in the event , at anything in the nature of a ' scene . " To this [Chad]_111-chad replied that [they]_2316-they had on the contrary kept tremendously polite ; adding moreover that [Sally]_126-sarah was after all not [the woman]_{629-the woman} to have made the mistake of not being . "_[2319-she] [Her]_2319-she hands are a good deal tied , [you]_82-strether see . [I]_0-i got so , from the first , " [he]_82-strether sagaciously observed , "_[2319-she] the start of [her]_2319-she . " "_[2319-she] [You]_0-i mean [she]_2319-she has taken so much from [you]_0-i ? " "_[2319-she] Well , [I]_0-i could n't of course in common decency give less : only [she]_2319-she had n't expected , [I]_0-i think , that [I]_0-i 'd give [her]_2319-she nearly so much . And [she]_2319-she began to take it before [she]_2319-she knew it . " "_[2319-she] And [she]_2319-she began to like it , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[2319-she] as soon as [she]_2319-she began to take it ! " "_[2319-she] Yes , [she]_2319-she has liked it - also more than [she]_2319-she expected . " After which [Chad]_111-chad observed : "_[2319-she] But [she]_2319-she does n't like [ME]_0-i . In fact [she]_2319-she hates [me]_0-i . " [Strether]_82-strether 's interest grew . "_[2319-she] Then why does [she]_2319-she want [you]_0-i at [home]_2874-home ? " "_[2319-she] Because when [you]_0-i hate [you]_0-i want to triumph , and if [she]_2319-she should get [me]_0-i neatly stuck [there]_311-there [she]_2319-she WOULD triumph . " [Strether]_82-strether followed afresh , but looking as [he]_82-strether went . "_[2319-she] Certainly - in a manner . But it would scarce be a triumph worth having if , once entangled , feeling [her]_2319-she dislike and possibly conscious in time of a certain quantity of [your]_0-i own , [you]_0-i should on the spot make [yourself]_0-i unpleasant to [her]_2319-she . " "_[0-i] Ah , " said [Chad]_111-chad , ' [she]_2319-she can bear [ME]_0-i - could bear [me]_0-i at least at [home]_2874-home . It 's [my]_0-i being [there]_311-there that would be [her]_2319-she triumph . [She]_2319-she hates [me]_0-i in [Paris]_1-paris . "_[0-i] " [She]_2319-she hates in other words - "_[0-i] " Yes , THAT 'S it ! "_[111-chad] - [Chad]_111-chad had quickly understood this understanding ; which formed on the part of each as near an approach as [they]_2322-their had yet made to naming [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . The limitations of [their]_2322-their distinctness did n't , however , prevent its fairly lingering in the air that it was [this lady [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} hated]_{2323-this lady mrs. pocock hated} . It added one more touch moreover to [their]_2322-their established recognition of the rare intimacy of [Chad]_111-chad 's association with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_111-chad had never yet more twitched away the last light veil from this phenomenon than in presenting [himself]_111-chad as confounded and submerged in the feeling [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had created at [Woollett]_87-woollett . " And [I]_111-chad 'll tell [you]_82-strether who hates [me]_111-chad too , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad immediately went on . [Strether]_82-strether knew as immediately whom [he]_111-chad meant , but with as prompt a protest . " Ah no ! [Mamie]_97-mamie does n't hate - well , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad caught [himself]_111-chad in time - " [anybody at all]_{4637-anybody at all} . [Mamie]_97-mamie 's beautiful . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad shook [his]_111-chad head . " That 's just why [I]_111-chad mind it . [She]_97-mamie certainly does n't like [me]_111-chad . "_[111-chad] " How much do [you]_111-chad mind it ? What would [you]_111-chad do for [her]_97-mamie ? "_[2324-me] " Well , [I]_111-chad 'd like [her]_97-mamie if [she]_97-mamie 'd like [me]_111-chad . Really , really , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad declared . [It]_2324-me gave [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} a moment 's pause . " [You]_111-chad asked [me]_2324-me just now if [I]_2324-me do n't , as [you]_111-chad said , ' care ' about [a certain person]_{361-a certain person} . [You]_111-chad rather tempt [me]_2324-me therefore to put the question in [my]_2324-me turn . Do n't [YOU]_111-chad care about [a certain other person]_{4639-a certain other person} ? "_[2324-me] [Chad]_111-chad looked at [him]_111-chad hard in the lamplight of the window . " The difference is that [I]_111-chad do n't want to . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether wondered . " ' Do n't want ' to ? "_[111-chad] " [I]_{2833-the young man} try not to - that is [I]_{2833-the young man} HAVE tried . [I]_{2833-the young man} 've done [my]_{2833-the young man} best . [You]_111-chad ca n't be surprised , "_{[2833-the young man]} [the young man]_{2833-the young man} easily went on , " when [you]_111-chad [yourself]_111-chad set [me]_{2833-the young man} on it . [I]_{2833-the young man} was indeed , "_{[2833-the young man]} [he]_{2833-the young man} added , " already on it a little ; but [you]_111-chad set [me]_{2833-the young man} harder . It was six weeks ago that [I]_{2833-the young man} thought [I]_{2833-the young man} had come out . "_{[2833-the young man]} [Strether]_82-strether took it well in . " But [you]_111-chad have n't come out ! "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_111-chad do n't know - it 's what [I]_111-chad WANT to know , "_[111-chad] said [Chad]_111-chad . " And if [I]_111-chad could have sufficiently wanted - by [myself]_111-chad - to go back , [I]_111-chad think [I]_111-chad might have found out . "_[111-chad] " Possibly "_{[82-strether]} - [Strether]_82-strether considered . " But all [you]_111-chad were able to achieve was to want to want to ! And even then , "_{[2833-the young man]} [he]_{2833-the young man} pursued , " only till [[our]_4640-our friends]_{3675-our friends} there came . Do [you]_111-chad want to want to still ? "_{[2833-the young man]} As with a sound half - dolorous , half - droll and all vague and equivocal , [Chad]_111-chad buried [his]_111-chad face for a little in [his]_111-chad hands , rubbing it in a whimsical way that amounted to an evasion , [he]_111-chad brought it out more sharply : " DO [you]_111-chad ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad kept for a time [his]_111-chad attitude , but at last [he]_111-chad looked up , and then abruptly , " [Jim]_118-jim IS a damned dose ! "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad declared . " Oh [I]_111-chad do n't ask [you]_111-chad to abuse or describe or in any way pronounce on [[your]_111-chad relatives]_{4642-your relatives} ; [I]_111-chad simply put it to [you]_111-chad once more whether [you]_111-chad 're NOW ready . [You]_111-chad say [you]_111-chad 've ' seen . ' Is what [you]_111-chad 've seen that [you]_111-chad ca n't resist ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad gave [him]_111-chad a strange smile - the nearest approach [he]_111-chad had ever shown to [a troubled one]_{2327-a troubled one} . " Ca n't [you]_111-chad make [me]_111-chad NOT resist ? "_[111-chad] " What it comes to , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether went on very gravely now and as if [he]_111-chad had n't heard [him]_111-chad , " what it comes to is that more has been done for [you]_111-chad , [I]_111-chad think , than [I]_111-chad 've ever seen done - attempted perhaps , but never so successfully done - by [one human being]_{4643-one human being} for another . "_[111-chad] " Oh an immense deal certainly "_[111-chad] - [Chad]_111-chad did it full justice . " And [you]_111-chad [yourself]_111-chad are adding to it . "_[111-chad] It was without heeding this either that [[his]_111-chad visitor]_{430-his visitor} continued . " And [[our]_4644-our friends]_{3675-our friends} there wo n't have it . "_{[430-his visitor]} " No , [they]_{3675-our friends} simply wo n't . "_[111-chad] " [They]_{3675-our friends} demand [you]_111-chad on the basis , as it were , of repudiation and ingratitude ; and what has been the matter with [me]_82-strether , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether went on , " is that [I]_82-strether have n't seen [my]_82-strether way to working with [you]_{430-his visitor} for repudiation . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad appreciated this . " Then as [you]_111-chad have n't seen [yours]_111-chad [you]_111-chad naturally have n't seen [mine]_111-chad . There it is . "_{[82-strether]} After which [he]_111-chad proceeded , with a certain abruptness , to a sharp interrogation . " NOW do [you]_{430-his visitor} say [she]_4646-she does n't hate [me]_82-strether ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . " ' [She]_4646-she ' - ? "_{[82-strether]} " Yes - [Mother]_141-mother . [We]_4647-we called it [Sarah]_126-sarah , but it comes to the same thing . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether objected , " not to the same thing as [her]_4646-she hating [YOU]_{2833-the young man} . "_{[82-strether]} On which - though as if for an instant it had hung fire - [Chad]_111-chad remarkably replied : " Well , if [they]_2330-they hate [[my]_111-chad good friend]_{4648-my good friend} , THAT comes to the same thing . "_[111-chad] It had a note of inevitable truth that made [Strether]_82-strether take it as enough , feel [he]_82-strether wanted nothing more . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} spoke in it for [[his]_{2833-the young man} " good friend]_{4445-his " good friend} "_{[2833-the young man]} more than [he]_{2833-the young man} had ever yet directly spoken , confessed to such deep identities between [them]_2330-they as [he]_{2833-the young man} might play with the idea of working free from , but which at a given moment could still draw [him]_82-strether down like a whirlpool . And meanwhile [he]_{2833-the young man} had gone on . " [Their]_2330-they hating [you]_{2833-the young man} too moreover - that also comes to a good deal . "_{[2833-the young man]} " Ah , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " [[your]_111-chad mother]_{1043-your mother} does n't . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad , however , loyally stuck to it - loyally , that is , to [Strether]_82-strether . " [She]_{1043-your mother} will if [you]_111-chad do n't look out . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , [I]_{235-our friend} do look out . [I]_{235-our friend} am , after all , looking out . That 's just why , "_{[235-our friend]} [[our]_2331-our friend]_{235-our friend} explained , " [I]_2333-i want to see [her]_{1043-your mother} again . "_[2333-i] [It]_2333-i drew from [Chad]_111-chad again the same question . " To see [Mother]_141-mother ? "_[2333-i] " To see - for the present - [Sarah]_126-sarah . "_{[235-our friend]} " [Ah]_4651-ah then there [you]_{388-his companion} are ! And what [I]_111-chad do n't for the life of [me]_111-chad make out , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad pursued with resigned perplexity , " is what [you]_{388-his companion} GAIN by it . "_[111-chad] Oh it would have taken [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} too long to say ! " That 's because [you]_{388-his companion} have , [I]_111-chad verily believe , no imagination . [You]_{388-his companion} 've other qualities . But no imagination , do n't [you]_{388-his companion} see ? at all . "_[111-chad] " [I]_{235-our friend} dare say . [I]_{235-our friend} do see . "_{[235-our friend]} It was an idea in which [Chad]_111-chad showed interest . " But have n't [you]_{388-his companion} [yourself]_{388-his companion} rather too much ? "_{[235-our friend]} " Oh RATHER - ! "_[111-chad] So that after an instant , under this reproach and as if it were at last a fact really to escape from , [Strether]_82-strether made [his]_82-strether move for departure . II One of the features of the restless afternoon passed by [him]_111-chad after [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} 's visit was an hour spent , shortly before dinner , with [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie , whom of late , in spite of so sustained a call on [his]_111-chad attention from other quarters , [he]_111-chad had by no means neglected . And that [he]_111-chad was still not neglecting [her]_97-mamie will appear from the fact that [he]_111-chad was with [her]_97-mamie again at the same hour on the very morrow - with no less fine a consciousness moreover of being able to hold [her]_97-mamie ear . It continued inveterately to occur , for that matter , that whenever [he]_111-chad had taken one of [his]_111-chad greater turns [he]_111-chad came back to where [she]_97-mamie so faithfully awaited [him]_111-chad . None of these excursions had on the whole been livelier than the pair of incidents - the fruit of the short interval since [his]_111-chad previous visit - on which [he]_111-chad had now to report to [her]_97-mamie . [He]_111-chad had seen [Chad Newsome]_111-chad late the night before , and [he]_111-chad had had that morning , as a sequel to this conversation , a second interview with [Sarah]_126-sarah . " But [they]_4652-them 're all off , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad said , " at last . "_[111-chad] It puzzled [her]_97-mamie a moment . " All ? - [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} with [them]_4652-them ? "_[111-chad] " Ah not yet ! [Sarah]_126-sarah and [Jim]_118-jim and [Mamie]_97-mamie . But Waymarsh with [them]_4652-them - for [Sarah]_126-sarah . It 's too beautiful , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether continued ; " [I]_111-chad find [I]_111-chad do n't get over that - it 's always a fresh joy . But it 's a fresh joy too , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad added , " that - well , what do [you]_126-sarah think ? [Little Bilham]_{130-little bilham} also goes . But [he]_{130-little bilham} of course goes for [Mamie]_97-mamie . "_[111-chad] [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} wondered . " ' For ' [her]_97-mamie ? Do [you]_82-strether mean [they]_4653-they 're already engaged ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Well , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , ' say then for [ME]_0-i . [He]_2335-he 'll do anything for [me]_0-i ; just as [I]_0-i will , for that matter - anything [I]_0-i can - for [him]_2335-he . Or for [Mamie]_97-mamie either . [SHE'LL]_97-mamie do anything for [me]_0-i . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} gave a comprehensive sigh . "_[97-mamie] The way [you]_82-strether reduce [people]_2824-people to subjection ! " "_{[82-strether]} It 's certainly , on one side , wonderful . But it 's quite equalled , on another , by the way [I]_0-i do n't . [I]_0-i have n't reduced [Sarah]_126-sarah , since yesterday ; though [I]_0-i 've succeeded in seeing [her]_126-sarah again , as [I]_0-i 'll presently tell [you]_2337-you . [The others]_{544-the others} however are really all right . [Mamie]_97-mamie , by that blessed law of [ours]_2339-ours , absolutely must have [a young man]_{2991-a young man} . " "_[97-mamie] But what must poor [Mr. Bilham]_{83-little bilham} have ? Do [you]_82-strether mean [they]_{544-the others} 'll MARRY for [you]_82-strether ? " "_{[82-strether]} [I]_0-i mean that , by the same blessed law , it wo n't matter a grain if [they]_{544-the others} do n't - [I]_0-i sha n't have in the least to worry . " [She]_2337-you saw as usual what [he]_118-jim meant . "_[0-i] And [Mr. Jim]_118-jim ? - who goes for [him]_118-jim ? " "_[0-i] Oh , " [Strether]_82-strether had to admit , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i could n't manage THAT . [He]_118-jim 's thrown , as usual , on [the world]_{2804-the world} ; [the world]_{2804-the world} which , after all , by [his]_118-jim account - for [he]_118-jim has prodigious adventures - seems very good to [him]_118-jim . [He]_118-jim fortunately - ' over here , ' as [he]_118-jim says - finds [the world everywhere]_{2343-the world everywhere} ; and [his]_118-jim most prodigious adventure of all , " [he]_118-jim went on , "_[118-jim] has been of course of the last few days . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , already knowing , instantly made the connexion . "_[118-jim] [He]_118-jim has seen [Marie de Vionnet]_162-maria again ? " "_[118-jim] [He]_118-jim went , all by [himself]_118-jim , the day after [Chad]_111-chad 's party - did n't [I]_0-i tell [you]_2344-you ? - to tea with [her]_162-maria . By [her]_162-maria invitation - all alone . " "_[2344-you] Quite like [yourself]_2344-you ! " [Maria]_162-maria smiled . "_[2344-you] Oh but [he]_118-jim 's more wonderful about [her]_162-maria than [I]_0-i am ! " And then as [[his]_118-jim friend]_{259-his friend} showed how [she]_162-maria could believe it , filling it out , fitting it on to old memories of [the wonderful woman]_{4655-the wonderful woman} : "_[118-jim] What [I]_0-i should have liked to manage would have been [HER]_162-maria going . " "_[162-maria] To [Switzerland]_{62-switzerland} with the party ? " "_[162-maria] For [Jim]_118-jim - and for symmetry . If it had been workable moreover for a fortnight [she]_162-maria 'd have gone . [She]_162-maria 's ready " - [he]_118-jim followed up [his]_118-jim renewed vision of [her]_162-maria - "_[162-maria] for anything . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} went with [him]_118-jim a minute . "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria 's too perfect ! " "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria WILL , [I]_0-i think , " [he]_118-jim pursued , "_[0-i] go to - night to [the station]_{1297-the station} . " "_[0-i] To see [him]_118-jim off ? " "_[111-chad] With [Chad]_111-chad - marvellously - as part of [their]_2346-their general attention . And [she]_162-maria does it " - it kept before [him]_118-jim - "_[162-maria] with a light , light grace , a free , free gaiety , that may well softly bewilder [Mr. Pocock]_{179-mr. pocock} . " It kept [her]_162-maria so before [him]_118-jim that [[his]_118-jim companion]_{388-his companion} had after an instant a friendly comment . "_[162-maria] As in short it has softly bewildered [a saner man]_{2347-a saner man} . Are [you]_0-i really in love with [her]_162-maria ? " [Maria]_162-maria threw off . "_[0-i] It 's of no importance [I]_0-i should know , " [he]_118-jim replied . "_[0-i] It matters so little - has nothing to do , practically , with either of [us]_2348-us . " "_{[2350-the five]} All the same " - [Maria]_162-maria continued to smile - "_[2349-they] [they]_2349-they go , [the five]_{2350-the five} , as [I]_0-i understand [you]_0-i , and [you]_0-i and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} stay . " "_[0-i] Oh and [Chad]_111-chad . " To which [Strether]_82-strether added : "_[111-chad] And [you]_0-i . " "_[2351-ah] [Ah]_2351-ah ' [me]_0-i ' ! " - [she]_0-i gave a small impatient wail again , in which something of the unreconciled seemed suddenly to break out . "_[2351-ah] [I]_0-i do n't stay , it somehow seems to [me]_0-i , much to [my]_0-i advantage . In the presence of all [you]_0-i cause to pass before [me]_0-i [I]_0-i 've a tremendous sense of privation . " [Strether]_82-strether hesitated . "_[0-i] But [your]_0-i privation , [your]_0-i keeping out of everything , has been - has n't it ? - by [your]_0-i own choice . " "_[0-i] Oh yes ; it has been necessary - that is it has been better for [you]_0-i . What [I]_0-i mean is only that [I]_0-i seem to have ceased to serve [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] How can [you]_0-i tell that ? " [he]_82-strether asked . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i do n't know how [you]_0-i serve [me]_0-i . When [you]_0-i cease - " "_[0-i] Well ? " [she]_0-i said as [he]_82-strether dropped . "_[0-i] Well , [I]_0-i 'll LET [you]_0-i know . Be quiet till then . " [She]_0-i thought a moment . "_[0-i] Then [you]_0-i positively like [me]_0-i to stay ? " "_[0-i] Do n't [I]_0-i treat [you]_0-i as if [I]_0-i did ? " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 're certainly very kind to [me]_0-i . But that , " said [Maria]_162-maria , "_[0-i] is for [myself]_0-i . It 's getting late , as [you]_0-i see , and [Paris]_1-paris turning rather hot and dusty . [People]_2824-people are scattering , and some of [them]_2824-people , in other places want [me]_0-i . But if [you]_0-i want [me]_0-i here - ! " [She]_0-i had spoken as resigned to [his]_4657-he word , but [he]_4657-he had of a sudden a still sharper sense than [he]_4657-he would have expected of desiring not to lose [her]_0-i . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i want [you]_0-i here . " [She]_0-i took it as if the words were all [she]_0-i had wished ; as if they brought [her]_0-i , gave [her]_0-i something that was the compensation of [her]_0-i case . "_[0-i] Thank [you]_0-i , " [she]_0-i simply answered . And then as [he]_4657-he looked at [her]_0-i a little harder , "_[0-i] Thank [you]_0-i very much , " [she]_0-i repeated . It had broken as with a slight arrest into the current of [their]_4658-their talk , and it held [him]_4657-he a moment longer . "_[0-i] Why , two months , or whatever the time was , ago , did [you]_0-i so suddenly dash off ? The reason [you]_0-i afterwards gave [me]_0-i for having kept away three weeks was n't the real one . " [She]_0-i recalled . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i never supposed [you]_0-i believed it was . Yet , " [she]_0-i continued , "_[0-i] if [you]_0-i did n't guess it that was just what helped [you]_0-i . " [He]_4657-he looked away from [her]_0-i on this ; [he]_4657-he indulged , so far as space permitted , in one of [his]_4657-he slow absences . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've often thought of it , but never to feel that [I]_0-i could guess it . And [you]_0-i see the consideration with which [I]_0-i 've treated [you]_0-i in never asking till now . " "_[0-i] Now then why DO [you]_0-i ask ? " "_[0-i] To show [you]_0-i how [I]_0-i miss [you]_0-i when [you]_0-i 're not [here]_3103-here , and what it does for [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] It does n't seem to have done , " [she]_0-i laughed , "_[0-i] all it might ! However , " [she]_0-i added , "_[0-i] if [you]_0-i 've really never guessed the truth [I]_0-i 'll tell it [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've never guessed it , " [Strether]_82-strether declared . "_[0-i] Never ? " "_[0-i] Never . " "_[0-i] Well then [I]_0-i dashed off , as [you]_0-i say , so as not to have the confusion of being there if [Marie de Vionnet]_162-maria should tell [you]_0-i anything to [my]_0-i detriment . " [He]_82-strether looked as if [he]_82-strether considerably doubted . "_[162-maria] [You]_0-i even then would have had to face it on [your]_0-i return . " "_[0-i] Oh if [I]_0-i had found reason to believe it something very bad [I]_0-i 'd have left [you]_0-i altogether . " "_[0-i] So then , " [he]_82-strether continued , "_[0-i] it was only on guessing [she]_162-maria had been on the whole merciful that [you]_0-i ventured back ? " [Maria]_162-maria kept it together . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i owe [her]_162-maria thanks . Whatever [her]_162-maria temptation [she]_162-maria did n't separate [us]_2354-us . That 's one of [my]_0-i reasons , " [she]_0-i went on "_[0-i] for admiring [her]_162-maria so . " "_[0-i] Let it pass then , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] for one of [mine]_0-i as well . But what would have been [her]_162-maria temptation ? " "_[162-maria] What are ever the temptations of [women]_350-women ? " [He]_82-strether thought - but had n't , naturally , to think too long . "_[745-men] [Men]_745-men ? " "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria would have had [you]_0-i , with it , more for [herself]_162-maria . But [she]_162-maria saw [she]_162-maria could have [you]_0-i without it . " "_[162-maria] Oh ' have ' [me]_0-i ! " [Strether]_82-strether a trifle ambiguously sighed . "_[0-i] [YOU]_0-i , " [he]_82-strether handsomely declared , "_[0-i] would have had [me]_0-i at any rate WITH it . " "_[0-i] Oh ' have ' [you]_0-i ! " - [she]_0-i echoed it as [he]_82-strether had done . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do have [you]_0-i , however , " [she]_0-i less ironically said , "_[0-i] from the moment [you]_0-i express a wish . " [He]_82-strether stopped before [her]_0-i , full of the disposition . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll express fifty . " Which indeed begot in [her]_0-i , with a certain inconsequence , a return of [her]_0-i small wail . "_[0-i] Ah there [you]_0-i are ! " There , if it were so , [he]_82-strether continued for the rest of the time to be , and it was as if to show [her]_0-i how [she]_0-i could still serve [him]_82-strether that , coming back to the departure of [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} , [he]_82-strether gave [her]_0-i the view , vivid with a hundred more touches than [we]_4659-we can reproduce , of what had happened for [him]_82-strether that morning . [He]_82-strether had had ten minutes with [Sarah]_126-sarah at [[her]_126-sarah hotel]_{4511-her hotel} , ten minutes reconquered , by irresistible pressure , from the time over which [he]_82-strether had already described [her]_0-i to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} as having , at the end of [their]_4661-their interview on [[his]_82-strether own premises]_{4662-his own premises} , passed the great sponge of the future . [He]_82-strether had caught [her]_0-i by not announcing [himself]_82-strether , had found [her]_0-i in [[her]_0-i sitting - room]_{4663-her sitting - room} with [a dressmaker]_{4664-a dressmaker} and [a lingere whose accounts [she]_0-i appeared to have been more or less ingenuously settling and who soon withdrew]_{4665-a lingere whose accounts she appeared to have been more or less ingenuously settling and who soon withdrew} . Then [he]_82-strether had explained to [her]_0-i how [he]_82-strether had succeeded , late the night before , in keeping [his]_82-strether promise of seeing [Chad]_111-chad . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [her]_2357-her [I]_0-i 'd take it all . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 'd ' take ' it ? " "_[0-i] Why if [he]_2358-he does n't go . " [Maria]_162-maria waited . "_[2358-he] And who takes it if [he]_2358-he does ? " [she]_162-maria enquired with a certain grimness of gaiety . "_[2358-he] Well , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[2358-he] [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i take , in any event , everything . " "_[0-i] By which [I]_0-i suppose [you]_0-i mean , " [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} brought out after a moment , "_[0-i] that [you]_0-i definitely understand [you]_0-i now lose everything . " [He]_82-strether stood before [her]_162-maria again . "_[0-i] It does come perhaps to the same thing . But [Chad]_111-chad , now that [he]_111-chad has seen , does n't really want it . " [She]_162-maria could believe that , but [she]_162-maria made , as always , for clearness . "_[111-chad] Still , what , after all , HAS [he]_111-chad seen ? " "_[2359-they] What [they]_2359-they want of [him]_111-chad . And it 's enough . " "_[2359-they] It contrasts so unfavourably with what [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} wants ? " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} It contrasts - just so ; all round , and tremendously . " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} Therefore , perhaps , most of all with what [YOU]_0-i want ? " "_[0-i] Oh , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] what [I]_0-i want is a thing [I]_0-i 've ceased to measure or even to understand . " But [[his]_82-strether friend]_{259-his friend} none the less went on . "_[0-i] Do [you]_0-i want [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} - after such a way of treating [you]_0-i ? " It was a straighter mode of dealing with [this lady]_{327-this lady} than [they]_2359-they had as yet - such was [their]_2359-they high form - permitted [themselves]_2359-they ; but it seemed not wholly for this that [he]_82-strether delayed a moment . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [I]_0-i dare say it has been , after all , the only way [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} could have imagined . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} And does that make [you]_0-i want [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} any more ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've tremendously disappointed [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , " [Strether]_82-strether thought it worth while to mention . "_[0-i] Of course [you]_0-i have . That 's rudimentary ; that was plain to [us]_2360-us long ago . But is n't it almost as plain , " [Maria]_162-maria went on , "_[0-i] that [you]_0-i 've even yet [your]_0-i straight remedy ? Really drag [him]_2361-him away , as [I]_0-i believe [you]_0-i still can , and [you]_0-i 'd cease to have to count with [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} disappointment . " "_[0-i] Ah then , " [he]_82-strether laughed , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should have to count with [yours]_0-i ! " But this barely struck [her]_162-maria now . "_[0-i] What , in that case , should [you]_0-i call counting ? [You]_0-i have n't come out where [you]_0-i are , [I]_0-i think , to please [ME]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Oh , " [he]_82-strether insisted , "_[0-i] that too , [you]_0-i know , has been part of it . [I]_0-i ca n't separate - it 's all one ; and that 's perhaps why , as [I]_0-i say , [I]_0-i do n't understand . " But [he]_82-strether was ready to declare again that this did n't in the least matter ; all the more that , as [he]_82-strether affirmed , [he]_82-strether HADn't really as yet "_[0-i] come out . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} gives [me]_0-i after all , on its coming to the pinch , a last mercy , another chance . [They]_2362-they do n't sail , [you]_0-i see , for five or six weeks more , and [they]_2362-they have n't - [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} admits that - expected [Chad]_111-chad would take part in [their]_2362-they tour . It 's still open to [him]_111-chad to join [them]_2362-they , at the last , at [Liverpool]_5-liverpool . " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} considered . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} How in [the world]_{2804-the world} is it ' open ' unless [you]_0-i open [it]_2364-it ? How can [he]_111-chad join [them]_2362-they at [Liverpool]_5-liverpool if [he]_111-chad but sinks deeper into [his]_111-chad situation here ? " "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad has given [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} - as [I]_0-i explained to [you]_0-i that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} let [me]_0-i know yesterday - [his]_111-chad word of honour to do as [I]_0-i say . " [Maria]_162-maria stared . "_[0-i] But if [you]_0-i say nothing ! " Well , [he]_111-chad as usual walked about on it . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did say something this morning . [I]_0-i gave [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} [my]_0-i answer - the word [I]_0-i had promised [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} after hearing from [himself]_111-chad what [HE]_111-chad had promised . What [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} demanded of [me]_0-i yesterday , [you]_0-i 'll remember , was the engagement then and there to make [him]_111-chad take up this vow . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Well then , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} enquired , "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} was the purpose of [your]_0-i visit to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} only to decline ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} No ; it was to ask , odd as that may seem to [you]_0-i , for another delay . " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Ah that 's weak ! " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} Precisely ! " [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} had spoken with impatience , but , so far as that at least , [he]_111-chad knew where [he]_111-chad was . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} If [I]_0-i AM weak [I]_0-i want to find it out . If [I]_0-i do n't find it out [I]_0-i shall have the comfort , the little glory , of thinking [I]_0-i 'm strong . " "_[0-i] It 's all the comfort , [I]_0-i judge , " [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} returned , "_[0-i] that [you]_0-i WILL have ! " "_[0-i] At any rate , " [he]_111-chad said , "_[0-i] it will have been a month more . [Paris]_1-paris may grow , from day to day , hot and dusty , as [you]_0-i say ; but there are other things that are hotter and dustier . [I]_0-i 'm not afraid to stay on ; the summer here must be amusing in a wild - if it is n't a tame - way of [its]_2365-its own ; [the place]_{2826-the place} at no time more picturesque . [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i shall like it . And then , " [he]_111-chad benevolently smiled for [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , "_[0-i] there will be always [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Oh , " [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} objected , "_[0-i] it wo n't be as a part of the picturesqueness that [I]_0-i shall stay , for [I]_0-i shall be the plainest thing about [you]_0-i . [You]_0-i may , [you]_0-i see , at any rate , " [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} pursued , "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} have [nobody else]_{2367-nobody else} . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} may very well be going off , may n't [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? - and [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} by the same stroke : unless indeed [you]_0-i 've had an assurance from [them]_2368-them to the contrary . So that if [your]_0-i idea 's to stay for [them]_2368-them " - it was [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} duty to suggest it - "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [you]_0-i may be left in the lurch . Of course if [they]_2368-them do stay " - [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} kept it up - "_[0-i] [they]_2368-them would be part of the picturesqueness . Or else indeed [you]_0-i might join [them]_2368-them somewhere . " [Strether]_82-strether seemed to face it as if it were a happy thought ; but the next moment [he]_82-strether spoke more critically . "_[0-i] Do [you]_0-i mean that [they]_2368-them 'll probably go off together ? " [She]_0-i just considered . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i think it will be treating [you]_0-i quite without ceremony if [they]_2368-them do ; though after all , " [she]_0-i added , "_[0-i] it would be difficult to see now quite what degree of ceremony properly meets [your]_0-i case . " "_[0-i] Of course , " [Strether]_82-strether conceded , "_[0-i] [my]_0-i attitude toward [them]_2368-them is extraordinary . " "_[0-i] Just so ; so that [one]_2797-one may ask [one]_2797-one 's self what style of proceeding on [their]_2368-them own part can altogether match it . The attitude of [their]_2368-them own that wo n't pale in its light [they]_2368-them 've doubtless still to work out . The really handsome thing perhaps , " [she]_0-i presently threw off , "_[2368-them] WOULD be for [them]_2368-them to withdraw into more secluded conditions , offering at the same time to share them with [you]_0-i . " [He]_82-strether looked at [her]_0-i , on this , as if some generous irritation - all in [his]_82-strether interest - had suddenly again flickered in [her]_0-i ; and what [she]_0-i next said indeed half - explained it . "_[2368-them] Do n't really be afraid to tell [me]_0-i if what now holds [you]_0-i IS the pleasant prospect of [the empty town]_{2371-the empty town} , with plenty of seats in the shade , cool drinks , [deserted museums]_{2372-deserted museums} , drives to [the Bois]_{67-the bois} in the evening , and [[our]_2373-our wonderful woman]_{2374-our wonderful woman} all to [yourself]_0-i . " And [she]_0-i kept it up still more . "_[0-i] The handsomest thing of ALL , when [one]_2797-one makes it out , would , [I]_0-i dare say , be that [Mr. Chad]_111-chad should for a while go off by [himself]_111-chad . It 's a pity , from that point of view , " [she]_0-i wound up , "_[111-chad] that [he]_111-chad does n't pay [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} a visit . It would at least occupy [your]_0-i interval . " The thought in fact held [her]_0-i a moment . "_[111-chad] Why does n't [he]_111-chad pay [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} a visit ? Even a week , at this good moment , would do . " "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i dear lady]_{1554-my dear lady} , " [Strether]_82-strether replied - and [he]_82-strether had it even to [himself]_82-strether surprisingly ready - "_[0-i] [[my]_0-i dear lady]_{1554-my dear lady} , [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} has paid [HIM]_111-chad a visit . [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} has been with [him]_111-chad , this month , with an intensity that [I]_0-i 'm sure [he]_111-chad has thoroughly felt ; [he]_111-chad has lavishly entertained [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} , and [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} has let [him]_111-chad have [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} thanks . Do [you]_0-i suggest [he]_111-chad shall go back for more of [them]_2381-them ? " Well , [she]_0-i succeeded after a little in shaking it off . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i see . It 's what [you]_0-i do n't suggest - what [you]_0-i have n't suggested . And [you]_0-i know . " "_[0-i] So would [you]_0-i , [[my]_0-i dear]_{1284-my dear} , " [he]_111-chad kindly said , "_[0-i] if [you]_0-i had so much as seen [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . " "_[0-i] As seen [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} No , [Sarah]_126-sarah - which , both for [Chad]_111-chad and for [myself]_0-i , has served all the purpose . " "_[126-sarah] And served it in a manner , " [she]_0-i responsively mused , ' so extraordinary ! "_[126-sarah] " Well , [you]_0-i see , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad partly explained , " what it comes to is that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's all cold thought - which [Sarah]_126-sarah could serve to [us]_4669-us cold without its really losing anything . So it is that [we]_4669-us know what [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} thinks of [us]_4669-us . "_[111-chad] [Maria]_162-maria had followed , but [she]_162-maria had an arrest . " What [I]_162-maria 've never made out , if [you]_0-i come to that , is what [you]_0-i think - [I]_162-maria mean [you]_0-i personally - of [HER]_{88-mrs. newsome} . Do n't [you]_0-i so much , when all 's said , as care a little ? "_[162-maria] " That , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad answered with no loss of promptness , " is what even [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad asked [me]_111-chad last night . [He]_111-chad asked [me]_111-chad if [I]_111-chad do n't mind the loss - well , the loss of an opulent future . Which moreover , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad hastened to add , " was a perfectly natural question . "_[111-chad] " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} call [your]_111-chad attention , all the same , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} said [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , " to the fact that [I]_{99-miss gostrey} do n't ask it . What [I]_{99-miss gostrey} venture to ask is whether it 's to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} [herself]_{88-mrs. newsome} that [you]_111-chad 're indifferent . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [I]_111-chad have n't been so "_[111-chad] - [he]_111-chad spoke with all assurance . " [I]_111-chad 've been the very opposite . [I]_111-chad 've been , from the first moment , preoccupied with the impression everything might be making on [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} - quite oppressed , haunted , tormented by it . [I]_111-chad 've been interested ONLY in [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} seeing what [I]_111-chad 've seen . And [I]_111-chad 've been as disappointed in [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} refusal to see it as [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} has been in what has appeared to [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} the perversity of [my]_111-chad insistence . "_[111-chad] " Do [you]_111-chad mean that [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} has shocked [you]_111-chad as [you]_111-chad 've shocked [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether weighed it . " [I]_82-strether 'm probably not so shockable . But on the other hand [I]_82-strether 've gone much further to meet [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} , on [her]_{88-mrs. newsome} side , has n't budged an inch . "_{[82-strether]} " So that [you]_111-chad 're now at last "_[162-maria] - [Maria]_162-maria pointed the moral - " in the sad stage of recriminations . "_[162-maria] " No - it 's only to [you]_82-strether [I]_162-maria speak . [I]_162-maria 've been like a lamb to [Sarah]_126-sarah . [I]_162-maria 've only put [my]_162-maria back to the wall . It 's to THAT [one]_2797-one naturally staggers when [one]_2797-one has been violently pushed there . "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria watched [him]_82-strether a moment . " Thrown over ? "_[162-maria] " Well , as [I]_162-maria feel [I]_162-maria 've landed somewhere [I]_162-maria think [I]_162-maria must have been thrown . "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria turned it over , but as hoping to clarify much rather than to harmonise . " The thing is that [I]_162-maria suppose [you]_82-strether 've been disappointing - "_[162-maria] " Quite from the very first of [my]_162-maria arrival ? [I]_162-maria dare say . [I]_162-maria admit [I]_162-maria was surprising even to [myself]_162-maria . "_[162-maria] " And then of course , "_[162-maria] [Maria]_162-maria went on , " [I]_162-maria had much to do with it . "_[162-maria] " With [my]_162-maria being surprising - ? "_[162-maria] " That will do , "_[162-maria] [she]_162-maria laughed , " if [you]_2383-you 're too delicate to call it [MY]_162-maria being ! Naturally , "_[162-maria] [she]_162-maria added , " [you]_2383-you came over more or less for surprises . "_[162-maria] " Naturally ! "_[2383-you] - [he]_2383-you valued the reminder . " But [they]_4672-they were to have been all for [you]_2383-you "_[162-maria] - [she]_162-maria continued to piece it out - " and none of them for [HER]_162-maria . "_[162-maria] Once more [he]_2383-you stopped before [her]_162-maria as if [she]_162-maria had touched the point . " That 's just [her]_162-maria difficulty - that [she]_162-maria does n't admit surprises . It 's a fact that , [I]_2383-you think , describes and represents [her]_162-maria ; and it falls in with what [I]_2383-you tell [you]_2383-you - that [she]_162-maria 's all , as [I]_2383-you 've called it , fine cold thought . [She]_162-maria had , to [her]_162-maria own mind , worked the whole thing out in advance , and worked it out for [me]_2383-you as well as for [herself]_162-maria . Whenever [she]_162-maria has done that , [you]_2383-you see , there 's no room left ; no margin , as it were , for any alteration . [She]_162-maria 's filled as full , packed as tight , as [she]_162-maria 'll hold and if [you]_2383-you wish to get anything more or different either out or in - "_[2383-you] " [You]_82-strether 've got to make over altogether [the woman]_{629-the woman} [herself]_{629-the woman} ? "_{[82-strether]} " What it comes to , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " is that [you]_82-strether 've got morally and intellectually to get rid of [her]_{629-the woman} . "_{[82-strether]} " Which would appear , "_[162-maria] [Maria]_162-maria returned , " to be practically what [you]_82-strether 've done . "_[162-maria] But [[her]_162-maria friend]_{547-her friend} threw back [his]_{547-her friend} head . " [I]_82-strether have n't touched [her]_{629-the woman} . [She]_{629-the woman} wo n't BE touched . [I]_82-strether see it now as [I]_82-strether 've never done ; and [she]_{629-the woman} hangs together with a perfection of [her]_{629-the woman} own , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether went on , " that does suggest a kind of wrong in ANY change of [her]_{629-the woman} composition . It was at any rate , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether wound up , " [the woman [herself]_{4674-the woman herself}]_{4674-the woman herself} , as [you]_{99-miss gostrey} call [her]_{4674-the woman herself} [the whole moral and intellectual being]_{4675-the whole moral and intellectual being} or block , that [Sarah]_126-sarah brought [me]_82-strether over to take or to leave . "_{[82-strether]} [It]_2385-it turned [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} to deeper thought . " Fancy having to take at the point of the bayonet a whole moral and intellectual being or block ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " It was in fact , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " what , at [home]_2874-home , [I]_82-strether HAD done . But somehow over there [I]_82-strether did n't quite know it . "_{[82-strether]} " [One]_2797-one never does , [I]_{99-miss gostrey} suppose , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} concurred , " realise in advance , in such a case , the size , as [you]_82-strether may say , of the block . Little by little it looms up . It has been looming for [you]_82-strether more and more till at last [you]_82-strether see it all . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [I]_82-strether see it all , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether absently echoed , while [his]_82-strether eyes might have been fixing some particularly large iceberg in [a cool blue northern sea]_{2386-a cool blue northern sea} . " It 's magnificent ! "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether then rather oddly exclaimed . But [[his]_82-strether friend , who was used to this kind of inconsequence in [him]_82-strether]_{2387-his friend , who was used to this kind of inconsequence in him} , kept the thread . " There 's nothing so magnificent - for making [others]_2890-others feel [you]_82-strether - as to have no imagination . "_{[2387-his friend , who was used to this kind of inconsequence in him]} It brought [him]_82-strether straight round . " Ah there [you]_82-strether are ! It 's what [I]_{2387-his friend , who was used to this kind of inconsequence in him} said last night to [Chad]_111-chad . That [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether , [I]_{2387-his friend , who was used to this kind of inconsequence in him} mean , has none . "_{[2387-his friend , who was used to this kind of inconsequence in him]} " Then it would appear , "_[162-maria] [Maria]_162-maria suggested , " that [he]_82-strether has , after all , something in common with [[his]_82-strether mother]_{3001-his mother} . "_[162-maria] " [He]_82-strether has in common that [he]_82-strether makes one , as [you]_162-maria say , ' feel ' [him]_82-strether . And yet , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added , as if the question were interesting , " one feels [others]_2890-others too , even when [they]_2890-others have plenty . "_{[82-strether]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} continued suggestive . " [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " [SHE]_{85-madame de vionnet} has plenty . "_[162-maria] " Certainly - [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had quantities of old . But there are different ways of making [one]_2797-one 's self felt . "_[162-maria] " Yes , it comes , no doubt , to that . [You]_162-maria now - "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether was benevolently going on , but [she]_162-maria would n't have it . " Oh [I]_162-maria DON'T make [myself]_162-maria felt ; so [my]_162-maria quantity need n't be settled . [Yours]_82-strether , [you]_82-strether know , "_[162-maria] [she]_162-maria said , " is monstrous . [No one]_{765-no one} has ever had so much . "_[162-maria] It struck [him]_82-strether for a moment . " That 's what [Chad]_111-chad also thinks . "_[162-maria] " There [YOU]_162-maria are then - though it is n't for [him]_111-chad to complain of it ! "_{[82-strether]} " Oh [he]_111-chad does n't complain of it , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . " That 's all that would be wanting ! But apropos of what , "_{[82-strether]} [Maria]_162-maria went on , " did the question come up ? "_[162-maria] " Well , of [his]_111-chad asking [me]_162-maria what it is [I]_162-maria gain . "_[162-maria] [She]_162-maria had a pause . " Then as [I]_162-maria 've asked [you]_82-strether too it settles [my]_162-maria case . Oh [you]_82-strether HAVE , "_[162-maria] [she]_162-maria repeated , " treasures of imagination . "_[162-maria] But [he]_82-strether had been for an instant thinking away from this , and [he]_82-strether came up in another place . " And yet [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} - it 's a thing to remember - HAS imagined , did , that is , imagine , and apparently still does , horrors about what [I]_82-strether should have found . [I]_82-strether was booked , by [her]_162-maria vision - extraordinarily intense , after all - to find [them]_4683-them ; and that [I]_82-strether did n't , that [I]_82-strether could n't , that , as [she]_162-maria evidently felt , [I]_82-strether would n't - this evidently did n't at all , as [they]_4683-them say , ' suit ' [her]_162-maria book . It was more than [she]_162-maria could bear . That was [her]_162-maria disappointment . "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether mean [you]_82-strether were to have found [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad horrible ? "_{[388-his companion]} " [I]_{388-his companion} was to have found [the woman]_{629-the woman} . "_{[388-his companion]} " Horrible ? "_{[82-strether]} " Found [her]_{629-the woman} as [she]_162-maria imagined [her]_{629-the woman} . "_{[388-his companion]} And [Strether]_82-strether paused as if for [his]_82-strether own expression of it [he]_82-strether could add no touch to that picture . [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} had meanwhile thought . " [She]_162-maria imagined stupidly - so it comes to the same thing . "_{[388-his companion]} " Stupidly ? Oh ! "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . But [she]_{388-his companion} insisted . " [She]_162-maria imagined meanly . "_{[388-his companion]} [He]_82-strether had it , however , better . " It could n't but be ignorantly . "_{[82-strether]} " Well , intensity with ignorance - what do [you]_82-strether want worse ? "_{[388-his companion]} This question might have held [him]_82-strether , but [he]_82-strether let it pass . " [Sarah]_126-sarah is n't ignorant - now ; [she]_126-sarah keeps up the theory of the horrible . "_{[82-strether]} " Ah but [she]_126-sarah 's intense - and that by itself will do sometimes as well . If it does n't do , in this case , at any rate , to deny that [Marie]_162-maria 's charming , it will do at least to deny that [she]_126-sarah 's good . "_{[82-strether]} " What [I]_82-strether claim is that [she]_126-sarah 's good for [Chad]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether do n't claim "_{[388-his companion]} - [she]_{388-his companion} seemed to like it clear - " that [she]_126-sarah 's good for [YOU]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} But [he]_82-strether continued without heeding . " That 's what [I]_82-strether wanted [them]_4685-they to come out for - to see for [themselves]_4685-they if [she]_126-sarah 's bad for [him]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} " And now that [they]_4685-they 've done so [they]_4685-they wo n't admit that [she]_126-sarah 's good even for anything ? "_{[82-strether]} " [They]_4685-they do think , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether presently admitted , " that [she]_126-sarah 's on the whole about as bad for [me]_82-strether . But [they]_4685-they 're consistent of course , inasmuch as [they]_4685-they 've [their]_4685-they clear view of what 's good for both of [us]_4686-we . "_{[82-strether]} " For [you]_82-strether , to begin with "_[162-maria] - [Maria]_162-maria , all responsive , confined the question for the moment - " to eliminate from [your]_82-strether existence and if possible even from [your]_82-strether memory the dreadful creature that [I]_162-maria must gruesomely shadow forth for [them]_4685-they , even more than to eliminate the distincter evil - thereby a little less portentous - of [the person whose confederate [you]_82-strether 've suffered [yourself]_82-strether to become]_{4687-the person whose confederate you 've suffered yourself to become} . However , that 's comparatively simple . [You]_82-strether can easily , at the worst , after all , give [me]_162-maria up . "_[162-maria] " [I]_82-strether can easily at the worst , after all , give [you]_82-strether up . "_{[82-strether]} The irony was so obvious that it needed no care . " [I]_82-strether can easily at the worst , after all , even forget [you]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " Call that then workable . But [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} has much more to forget . How can [HE]_{114-mr. newsome} do it ? "_[162-maria] " Ah there again [we]_4686-we are ! That 's just what [I]_2389-she was to have made [him]_{114-mr. newsome} do ; just where [I]_2389-she was to have worked with [him]_{114-mr. newsome} and helped . "_[2389-she] [She]_2389-she took it in silence and without attenuation - as if perhaps from very familiarity with the facts ; and [her]_2389-she thought made a connexion without showing the links . " Do [you]_82-strether remember how [we]_4686-we used to talk at [Chester]_3-chester and in [London]_4-london about [my]_2389-she seeing [you]_82-strether through ? "_[2389-she] [She]_2389-she spoke as of far - off things and as if [they]_2390-they had spent weeks at [the places [she]_2389-she named]_{2391-the places she named} . " It 's just what [you]_2392-he ARE doing . "_[2389-she] " [Ah]_4688-ah but the worst - since [you]_2392-he 've left such a margin - may be still to come . [You]_2392-he may yet break down . "_[2389-she] " Yes , [I]_2392-he may yet break down . But will [you]_2392-he take [me]_2392-he - ? "_[2392-he] [He]_2392-he had hesitated , and [she]_2389-she waited . " Take [you]_2392-he ? "_[2392-he] " For as long as [I]_2389-she can bear it . "_[2389-she] [She]_2389-she also debated " [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} may , as [we]_2390-they were saying , leave [town]_1642-town . How long do [you]_2392-he think [you]_2392-he can bear it without [them]_2390-they ? "_[2389-she] [Strether]_82-strether 's reply to this was at first another question . " Do [you]_2392-he mean in order to get away from [me]_2389-she ? "_[2389-she] [Her]_2389-she answer had an abruptness . " Do n't find [me]_2389-she rude if [I]_2389-she say [I]_2389-she should think [they]_2390-they 'd want to ! "_[2389-she] [He]_2392-he looked at [her]_2389-she hard again - seemed even for an instant to have an intensity of thought under which [his]_2392-he colour changed . But [he]_2392-he smiled . " [You]_2392-he mean after what [they]_2390-they 've done to [me]_2392-he ? "_[2392-he] " After what [SHE]_2389-she has . "_[2392-he] At this , however , with a laugh , [he]_2392-he was all right again . " [Ah]_4690-ah but [she]_2389-she has n't done it yet ! "_[2392-he] III [He]_2392-he had taken [the train]_{1290-the train} a few days after this from [a station]_{2394-a station} - as well as to [a station]_{2394-a station} - selected almost at random ; such days , whatever should happen , were numbered , and [he]_2392-he had gone forth under the impulse - artless enough , no doubt - to give the whole of one of them to that French ruralism , with its cool special green , into which [he]_2392-he had hitherto looked only through the little oblong window of the picture - frame . [It]_2396-it had been as yet for the most part but a land of fancy for [him]_2392-he - the background of fiction , the medium of art , the nursery of letters ; practically as distant as [Greece]_68-greece , but practically also well - nigh as consecrated . Romance could weave itself , for [Strether]_82-strether 's sense , out of elements mild enough ; and even after what [he]_2392-he had , as [he]_2392-he felt , lately " been through , "_[2392-he] [he]_2392-he could thrill a little at the chance of seeing something somewhere that would remind [him]_2392-he of a certain small Lambinet that had charmed [him]_2392-he , long years before , at a [Boston]_15-boston dealer 's and that [he]_2392-he had quite absurdly never forgotten . It had been offered , [he]_2392-he remembered , at a price [he]_2392-he had been instructed to believe the lowest ever named for a Lambinet , a price [he]_2392-he had never felt so poor as on having to recognise , all the same , as beyond a dream of possibility . [He]_2392-he had dreamed - had turned and twisted possibilities for an hour : it had been the only adventure of [his]_2392-he life in connexion with the purchase of a work of art . The adventure , it will be perceived , was modest ; but the memory , beyond all reason and by some accident of association , was sweet . The little Lambinet abode with [him]_2392-he as the picture [he]_2392-he WOULD have bought - the particular production that had made [him]_2392-he for the moment overstep the modesty of nature . [He]_2392-he was quite aware that if [he]_2392-he were to see it again [he]_2392-he should perhaps have a drop or a shock , and [he]_2392-he never found [himself]_2392-he wishing that the wheel of time would turn it up again , just as [he]_2392-he had seen it in [the maroon - coloured , sky - lighted inner shrine of [Tremont Street]_{69-tremont street}]_{2397-the maroon - coloured , sky - lighted inner shrine of tremont street} . It would be a different thing , however , to see the remembered mixture resolved back into its elements - to assist at the restoration to nature of the whole far - away hour : the dusty day in [Boston]_15-boston , the background of [the Fitchburg Depot]_{2398-the fitchburg depot} , of the maroon - coloured sanctum , the special - green vision , the ridiculous price , the poplars , the willows , the rushes , [the river]_{720-the river} , the sunny silvery sky , the shady woody horizon . [He]_2392-he observed in respect to [[his]_2392-he train]_{2400-his train} almost no condition save that it should stop a few times after getting out of [the banlieue]_{2401-the banlieue} ; [he]_2392-he threw [himself]_2392-he on the general amiability of the day for the hint of where to alight . [His]_2392-he theory of [his]_2392-he excursion was that [he]_2392-he could alight anywhere - not nearer [Paris]_1-paris than an hour 's run - on catching a suggestion of the particular note required . It made its sign , the suggestion - weather , air , light , colour and [his]_2392-he mood all favouring - at the end of some eighty minutes ; [the train]_{1290-the train} pulled up just at the right spot , and [he]_2392-he found [himself]_2392-he getting out as securely as if to keep an appointment . It will be felt of [him]_2392-he that [he]_2392-he could amuse [himself]_2392-he , at [his]_2392-he age , with very small things if it be again noted that [his]_2392-he appointment was only with a superseded [Boston]_15-boston fashion . [He]_2392-he had n't gone far without the quick confidence that it would be quite sufficiently kept . The oblong gilt frame disposed [its]_{2400-his train} enclosing lines ; the poplars and willows , the reeds and [river]_2403-river - a river of which [he]_2392-he did n't know , and did n't want to know , the name - fell into a composition , full of felicity , within them ; the sky was silver and turquoise and varnish ; [the village]_{2404-the village} on the left was white and [the church on the right]_{2405-the church on the right} was grey ; it was all there , in short - it was what [he]_2392-he wanted : it was [Tremont Street]_{69-tremont street} , it was [France]_49-france , it was [Lambinet]_70-lambinet . Moreover [he]_2392-he was freely walking about in it . [He]_2392-he did this last , for an hour , to [his]_2392-he heart 's content , making for [the shady woody horizon]_{2406-the shady woody horizon} and boring so deep into [his]_2392-he impression and [his]_2392-he idleness that [he]_2392-he might fairly have got through them again and reached the maroon - coloured wall . It was a wonder , no doubt , that the taste of idleness for [him]_2392-he should n't need more time to sweeten ; but it had in fact taken the few previous days ; it had been sweetening in truth ever since the retreat of [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} . [He]_2392-he walked and walked as if to show [himself]_2392-he how little [he]_2392-he had now to do ; [he]_2392-he had nothing to do but turn off to [some hillside]_{2407-some hillside} where [he]_2392-he might stretch [himself]_2392-he and hear the poplars rustle , and whence - in the course of an afternoon so spent , an afternoon richly suffused too with the sense of a book in [his]_2392-he pocket - [he]_2392-he should sufficiently command the scene to be able to pick out just [the right little rustic inn]_{2408-the right little rustic inn} for an experiment in respect to dinner . There was [a train]_{2409-a train} back to [Paris]_1-paris at 9.20 , and [he]_2392-he saw [himself]_2392-he partaking , at the close of the day , with the enhancements of a coarse white cloth and a sanded door , of something fried and felicitous , washed down with authentic wine ; after which [he]_2392-he might , as [he]_2392-he liked , either stroll back to [[his]_2392-he station]_{2410-his station} in the gloaming or propose for [the local carriole]_{2411-the local carriole} and converse with [[his]_2392-he driver]_{2412-his driver} , [a driver who naturally would n't fail of a stiff clean blouse , of a knitted nightcap and of the genius of response - who , in fine , would sit on the shafts , tell [him]_2392-he what [the French people]_{2414-the french people} were thinking , and remind [him]_2392-he , as indeed the whole episode would incidentally do , of [Maupassant]_{193-maupassant}]_{2413-a driver who naturally would n't fail of a stiff clean blouse , of a knitted nightcap and of the genius of response - who , in fine , would sit on the shafts , tell him what the french people were thinking , and remind him , as indeed the whole episode would incidentally do , of maupassant} . [Strether]_82-strether heard [his]_2392-he lips , for the first time in French air , as this vision assumed consistency , emit sounds of expressive intention without fear of [his]_2392-he company . [He]_2392-he had been afraid of [Chad]_111-chad and of [Maria]_162-maria and of [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} ; [he]_2392-he had been most of all afraid of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh , in whose presence , so far as [they]_2415-they had mixed together in the light of [the town]_{312-the town} , [he]_2392-he had never without somehow paying for it aired either [his]_2392-he vocabulary or [his]_2392-he accent . [He]_2392-he usually paid for it by meeting immediately afterwards [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's eye . Such were the liberties with which [his]_2392-he fancy played after [he]_2392-he had turned off to [the hillside that did really and truly , as well as most amiably , await [him]_2392-he beneath the poplars]_{2417-the hillside that did really and truly , as well as most amiably , await him beneath the poplars} , [the hillside that made [him]_2392-he feel , for a murmurous couple of hours]_{2418-the hillside that made him feel , for a murmurous couple of hours} , how happy had been [his]_2392-he thought . [He]_2392-he had the sense of success , of a finer harmony in things ; nothing but what had turned out as yet according to [his]_2392-he plan . It most of all came [home]_2874-home to [him]_2392-he , as [he]_2392-he lay on [his]_2392-he back on the grass , that [Sarah]_126-sarah had really gone , that [his]_2392-he tension was really relaxed ; the peace diffused in these ideas might be delusive , but it hung about [him]_2392-he none the less for the time . It fairly , for half an hour , sent [him]_2392-he to sleep ; [he]_2392-he pulled [his]_2392-he straw hat over [his]_2392-he eyes - [he]_2392-he had bought it the day before with a reminiscence of [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh 's - and lost [himself]_2392-he anew in [Lambinet]_70-lambinet . It was as if [he]_2392-he had found out [he]_2392-he was tired - tired not from [his]_2392-he walk , but from that inward exercise which had known , on the whole , for three months , so little intermission . That was it - when once [they]_2420-they were off [he]_2392-he had dropped ; this moreover was what [he]_2392-he had dropped to , and now [he]_2392-he was touching bottom . [He]_2392-he was kept luxuriously quiet , soothed and amused by the consciousness of what [he]_2392-he had found at the end of [his]_2392-he descent . It was very much what [he]_2392-he had told [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie [he]_2392-he should like to stay on for , the hugely - distributed Paris of summer , alternately dazzling and dusky , with a weight lifted for [him]_2392-he off [its]_2421-its columns and cornices and with shade and air in the flutter of awnings as wide as avenues . It was present to [him]_2392-he without attenuation that , reaching out , the day after making the remark , for some proof of [his]_2392-he freedom , [he]_2392-he had gone that very afternoon to see [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_2392-he had gone again the next day but one , and the effect of the two visits , the after - sense of the couple of hours spent with [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , was almost that of fulness and frequency . The brave intention of frequency , so great with [him]_2392-he from the moment of [his]_2392-he finding [himself]_2392-he unjustly suspected at [Woollett]_87-woollett , had remained rather theoretic , and one of the things [he]_2392-he could muse about under [his]_2392-he poplars was the source of the special shyness that had still made [him]_2392-he careful . [He]_2392-he had surely got rid of it now , this special shyness ; what had become of it if it had n't precisely , within the week , rubbed off ? It struck [him]_2392-he now in fact as sufficiently plain that if [he]_2392-he had still been careful [he]_2392-he had been so for a reason . [He]_2392-he had really feared , in [his]_2392-he behaviour , a lapse from good faith ; if there was a danger of [one]_2797-one 's liking [such a woman]_{1487-such a woman} too much [one]_2797-one 's best safety was in waiting at least till [one]_2797-one had the right to do so . In the light of the last few days the danger was fairly vivid ; so that it was proportionately fortunate that the right was likewise established . It seemed to [[our]_2426-our friend]_{235-our friend} that [he]_2392-he had on each occasion profited to the utmost by the latter : how could [he]_2392-he have done so more , [he]_2392-he at all events asked [himself]_2392-he , than in having immediately let [her]_{235-our friend} know that , if it was all the same to [her]_{235-our friend} , [he]_2392-he preferred not to talk about anything tiresome ? [He]_2392-he had never in [his]_2392-he life so sacrificed an armful of high interests as in that remark ; [he]_2392-he had never so prepared the way for the comparatively frivolous as in addressing it to [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's intelligence . It had n't been till later that [he]_2392-he quite recalled how in conjuring away everything but the pleasant [he]_2392-he had conjured away almost all [they]_2428-they had hitherto talked about ; it was not till later even that [he]_2392-he remembered how , with [their]_2428-they new tone , [they]_2428-they had n't so much as mentioned the name of [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_2392-he . One of the things that most lingered with [him]_2392-he on [his]_2392-he hillside was this delightful facility , with such [a woman]_{3063-a woman} , of arriving at a new tone ; [he]_2392-he thought , as [he]_2392-he lay on [his]_2392-he back , of all the tones [she]_{3063-a woman} might make possible if one were to try [her]_{3063-a woman} , and at any rate of the probability that [one]_2797-one could trust [her]_{3063-a woman} to fit [them]_2428-they to occasions . [He]_2392-he had wanted [her]_{3063-a woman} to feel that , as [he]_2392-he was disinterested now , so [she]_{3063-a woman} [herself]_{3063-a woman} should be , and [she]_{3063-a woman} had showed [she]_{3063-a woman} felt it , and [he]_2392-he had showed [he]_2392-he was grateful , and it had been for all [the world]_{2804-the world} as if [he]_2392-he were calling for the first time . [They]_2432-they had had other , but irrelevant , meetings ; it was quite as if , had [they]_2432-they sooner known how much [they]_2432-they REALLY had in common , there were quantities of comparatively dull matters [they]_2432-they might have skipped . Well , [they]_2432-they were skipping [them]_2433-them now , even to graceful gratitude , even to handsome " Do n't mention it ! "_[2432-they] - and it was amazing what could still come up without reference to what had been going on between [them]_2432-they . It might have been , on analysis , nothing more than Shakespeare and the musical glasses ; but it had served all the purpose of [his]_2392-he appearing to have said to [her]_{3063-a woman} : " Do n't like [me]_2392-he , if it 's a question of liking [me]_2392-he , for anything obvious and clumsy that [I]_2392-he 've , as [they]_2432-they call it , ' done ' for [you]_{3063-a woman} : like [me]_2392-he - well , like [me]_2392-he , hang it , for anything else [you]_{3063-a woman} choose . So , by the same propriety , do n't be for [me]_2392-he simply the person [I]_2392-he 've come to know through [my]_2392-he awkward connexion with [Chad]_111-chad - was ever anything , by the way , MORE awkward ? Be for [me]_2392-he , please , with all [your]_{3063-a woman} admirable tact and trust , just whatever [I]_2392-he may show [you]_{3063-a woman} it 's a present pleasure to [me]_2392-he to think [you]_{3063-a woman} . "_[2392-he] It had been a large indication to meet ; but if [she]_{3063-a woman} had n't met it what HAD [she]_{3063-a woman} done , and how had [their]_2434-their time together slipped along so smoothly , mild but not slow , and melting , liquefying , into [his]_2435-he happy illusion of idleness ? [He]_2435-he could recognise on the other hand that [he]_2435-he had probably not been without reason , in [his]_2435-he prior , [his]_2435-he restricted state , for keeping an eye on [his]_2435-he liability to lapse from good faith . [He]_2435-he really continued in the picture - that being for [himself]_2435-he [his]_2435-he situation - all the rest of this rambling day ; so that the charm was still , was indeed more than ever upon [him]_2435-he when , toward six o'clock [he]_2435-he found [himself]_2435-he amicably engaged with [a stout white - capped deep - voiced woman at the door of [the auberge of [the biggest village]_{2438-the biggest village}]_{2437-the auberge of the biggest village}]_{2436-a stout white - capped deep - voiced woman at the door of the auberge of the biggest village} , [a village that affected [him]_2435-he as a thing of whiteness , blueness and crookedness , set in coppery green , and that had [the river]_{720-the river} flowing behind or before it]_{2439-a village that affected him as a thing of whiteness , blueness and crookedness , set in coppery green , and that had the river flowing behind or before it} - one could n't say which ; at the bottom , in particular , of [the inn - garden]_{2441-the inn - garden} . [He]_2435-he had had other adventures before this ; had kept along the height , after shaking off slumber ; had admired , had almost coveted , [another small old church]_{2442-another small old church} , all steep roof and dim slate - colour without and all whitewash and paper flowers within ; had lost [his]_2435-he way and had found it again ; had conversed with rustics who struck [him]_2435-he perhaps a little more as [men of [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{2443-men of the world} than [he]_2435-he had expected ; had acquired at a bound a fearless facility in [French]_{143-the french} ; had had , as the afternoon waned , a watery bock , all pale and Parisian , in [the cafe of [the furthest village]_{2446-the furthest village}]_{2445-the cafe of the furthest village} , which was not the biggest ; and had meanwhile not once overstepped the oblong gilt frame . The frame had drawn itself out for [him]_2435-he , as much as [you]_2447-you please ; but that was just [his]_2435-he luck . [He]_2435-he had finally come down again to [the valley]_{2448-the valley} , to keep within touch of [stations]_{2449-stations} and [trains]_2450-trains , turning [his]_2435-he face to [the quarter from which [he]_2435-he had started]_{2451-the quarter from which he had started} ; and thus it was that [he]_2435-he had at last pulled up before the hostess of [the Cheval Blanc]_{2452-the cheval blanc} , who met [him]_2435-he , with a rough readiness that was like the clatter of sabots over stones , on [[their]_2453-their common ground of [a cotelette de veau a l'oseille]_{2455-a cotelette de veau a l'oseille}]_{2454-their common ground of a cotelette de veau a l'oseille} and a subsequent lift . [He]_2435-he had walked many miles and did n't know [he]_2435-he was tired ; but [he]_2435-he still knew [he]_2435-he was amused , and even that , though [he]_2435-he had been alone all day , [he]_2435-he had never yet so struck [himself]_2435-he as engaged with [others]_2890-others and in midstream of [his]_2435-he drama . It might have passed for finished [his]_2435-he drama , with its catastrophe all but reached : it had , however , none the less been vivid again for [him]_2435-he as [he]_2435-he thus gave [it]_2457-it its fuller chance . [He]_2435-he had only had to be at last well out of it to feel it , oddly enough , still going on . For this had been all day at bottom the spell of the picture - that it was essentially more than anything else a scene and a stage , that the very air of the play was in the rustle of the willows and the tone of the sky . The play and [the characters]_{2458-the characters} had , without [his]_2435-he knowing it till now , peopled all [his]_2435-he space for [him]_2435-he , and it seemed somehow quite happy that [they]_2459-they should offer [themselves]_2459-they , in the conditions so supplied , with a kind of inevitability . It was as if the conditions made them not only inevitable , but so much more nearly natural and right as that they were at least easier , pleasanter , to put up with . The conditions had nowhere so asserted their difference from those of [Woollett]_87-woollett as [they]_2459-they appeared to [him]_2435-he to assert it in [the little court of [the Cheval Blanc]_{2452-the cheval blanc}]_{2460-the little court of the cheval blanc} while [he]_2435-he arranged with [[his]_2435-he hostess]_{320-his hostess} for a comfortable climax . [They]_2459-they were few and simple , scant and humble , but [they]_2459-they were THE THING , as [he]_2435-he would have called it , even to a greater degree than [[Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's old high salon where the ghost of [the Empire]_{2464-the empire} walked]_{2463-madame de vionnet 's old high salon where the ghost of the empire walked} . " The "_[2459-they] thing was the thing that implied the greatest number of other things of the sort [he]_2435-he had had to tackle ; and it was queer of course , but so it was - the implication here was complete . Not a single one of [his]_2435-he observations but somehow fell into a place in it ; not a breath of the cooler evening that was n't somehow a syllable of the text . The text was simply , when condensed , that in THESE places such things were , and that if it was in them one elected to move about [one]_2797-one had to make [one]_2797-one 's account with what [one]_2797-one lighted on . Meanwhile at all events it was enough that they did affect [one]_2797-one - so far as [the village]_{2404-the village} aspect was concerned - as whiteness , crookedness and blueness set in coppery green ; there being positively , for that matter , an outer wall of the White Horse that was painted the most improbable shade . That was part of the amusement - as if to show that the fun was harmless ; just as it was enough , further , that the picture and the play seemed supremely to melt together in [the good woman]_{2470-the good woman} 's broad sketch of what [she]_{2470-the good woman} could do for [[her]_{2470-the good woman} visitor]_{1604-her visitor} 's appetite . [He]_2435-he felt in short a confidence , and it was general , and it was all [he]_2435-he wanted to feel . It suffered no shock even on [her]_{2470-the good woman} mentioning that [she]_{2470-the good woman} had in fact just laid the cloth for [two persons who , unlike [Monsieur]_{2473-monsieur} , had arrived by [the river]_{720-the river}]_{2472-two persons who , unlike monsieur , had arrived by the river} - in [a boat]_{2475-a boat} of [their]_{2472-two persons who , unlike monsieur , had arrived by the river} own ; who had asked [her]_{2470-the good woman} , half an hour before , what [she]_{2470-the good woman} could do for [them]_{2472-two persons who , unlike monsieur , had arrived by the river} , and had then paddled away to look at something a little further up - from which promenade [they]_{2472-two persons who , unlike monsieur , had arrived by the river} would presently return . [Monsieur]_{2476-monsieur} might meanwhile , if [he]_{2476-monsieur} liked , pass into [the garden]_{325-the garden} , such as it was , where [she]_{2470-the good woman} would serve [him]_{2476-monsieur} , should [he]_{2476-monsieur} wish it - for there were tables and benches in plenty - a " bitter "_{[2470-the good woman]} before [his]_{2476-monsieur} repast . Here [she]_{2470-the good woman} would also report to [him]_{2476-monsieur} on the possibility of a conveyance to [[his]_{2476-monsieur} station]_{2410-his station} , and here at any rate [he]_{2476-monsieur} would have the agrement of [the river]_{720-the river} . It may be mentioned without delay that [Monsieur]_{2480-monsieur} had the agrement of everything , and in particular , for the next twenty minutes , of [a small and primitive pavilion that , at [the garden]_{325-the garden} 's edge]_{2481-a small and primitive pavilion that , at the garden 's edge} , almost overhung [the water]_{2483-the water} , testifying , in [its]_{2481-a small and primitive pavilion that , at the garden 's edge} somewhat battered state , to much fond frequentation . [It]_{2481-a small and primitive pavilion that , at the garden 's edge} consisted of little more than a platform , slightly raised , with a couple of benches and a table , a protecting rail and a projecting roof ; but it raked the full grey - blue stream , which , taking a turn a short distance above , passed out of sight to reappear much higher up ; and it was clearly in esteemed requisition for Sundays and other feasts . [Strether]_82-strether sat there and , though hungry , felt at peace ; the confidence that had so gathered for [him]_82-strether deepened with the lap of the water , the ripple of the surface , the rustle of the reeds on the opposite bank , the faint diffused coolness and the slight rock of a couple of small boats attached to a rough landing - place hard by . [The valley on the further side]_{2484-the valley on the further side} was all copper - green level and glazed pearly sky , a sky hatched across with screens of trimmed trees , which looked flat , like espaliers ; and though [the rest of [the village]_{2404-the village}]_{2485-the rest of the village} straggled away in the near quarter the view had an emptiness that made one of the boats suggestive . Such [a river]_{2487-a river} set [one]_2797-one afloat almost before one could take up the oars - the idle play of which would be moreover the aid to the full impression . This perception went so far as to bring [him]_82-strether to [his]_82-strether feet ; but that movement , in turn , made [him]_82-strether feel afresh that [he]_82-strether was tired , and while [he]_82-strether leaned against a post and continued to look out [he]_82-strether saw something that gave [him]_82-strether a sharper arrest . IV What [he]_82-strether saw was exactly the right thing - [a boat]_{2475-a boat} advancing round the bend and containing [a man who held the paddles]_{2490-a man who held the paddles} and [a lady , at the stern]_{2491-a lady , at the stern} , with a pink parasol . It was suddenly as if these figures , or something like [them]_2492-their , had been wanted in the picture , had been wanted more or less all day , and had now drifted into sight , with the slow current , on purpose to fill up the measure . [They]_2492-their came slowly , floating down , evidently directed to the landing - place near [[their]_2492-their spectator]_{2493-their spectator} and presenting [themselves]_2492-their to [him]_82-strether not less clearly as [the two persons for whom [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} was already preparing a meal]_{2494-the two persons for whom his hostess was already preparing a meal} . For [two very happy persons]_{2496-two very happy persons} [he]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether straightway taking [them]_2492-their - [a young man in shirt - sleeves]_{2497-a young man in shirt - sleeves} , [a young woman easy and fair , who had pulled pleasantly up from [some other place]_{2499-some other place} and , being acquainted with [the neighbourhood]_{2500-the neighbourhood}]_{2498-a young woman easy and fair , who had pulled pleasantly up from some other place and , being acquainted with the neighbourhood} , had known what [this particular retreat]_{2501-this particular retreat} could offer [them]_2492-their . The air quite thickened , at [their]_2492-their approach , with further intimations ; the intimation that [they]_2492-their were expert , familiar , frequent - that this would n't at all events be the first time . [They]_2492-their knew how to do it , [he]_82-strether vaguely felt - and it made [them]_2492-their but the more idyllic , though at the very moment of the impression , as happened , [[their]_2492-their boat]_{2502-their boat} seemed to have begun to drift wide , [the oarsman]_{2503-the oarsman} letting [it]_{2502-their boat} go . It had by this time none the less come much nearer - near enough for [Strether]_82-strether to dream [the lady in the stern]_{2504-the lady in the stern} had for some reason taken account of [his]_82-strether being there to watch [them]_2492-their . [She]_{2504-the lady in the stern} had remarked on it sharply , yet [[her]_{2504-the lady in the stern} companion]_{328-her companion} had n't turned round ; it was in fact almost as if [[our]_2506-our friend]_{235-our friend} had felt [her]_{2504-the lady in the stern} bid [him]_82-strether keep still . [She]_{2504-the lady in the stern} had taken in something as a result of which [their]_2492-their course had wavered , and it continued to waver while [they]_2492-their just stood off . This little effect was sudden and rapid , so rapid that [Strether]_82-strether 's sense of it was separate only for an instant from a sharp start of [his]_82-strether own . [He]_82-strether too had within the minute taken in something , taken in that [he]_82-strether knew the lady whose parasol , shifting as if to hide [her]_{2504-the lady in the stern} face , made so fine a pink point in the shining scene . It was too prodigious , a chance in a million , but , if [he]_82-strether knew [the lady]_{299-the lady} , [the gentleman , who still presented [his]_82-strether back and kept off]_{2509-the gentleman , who still presented his back and kept off} , [the gentleman]_{3189-the gentleman} , [the coatless hero of the idyll]_{2511-the coatless hero of the idyll} , who had responded to [her]_{299-the lady} start , was , to match the marvel , none other than [Chad]_111-chad . [Chad]_111-chad and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} were then like [himself]_82-strether taking a day in [the country]_{1660-the country} - though it was as queer as fiction , as farce , that [[their]_2492-their country]_{2513-their country} could happen to be exactly [his]_82-strether ; and [she]_{299-the lady} had been the first at recognition , the first to feel , across the water , the shock - for it appeared to come to that - of [their]_2492-their wonderful accident . [Strether]_82-strether became aware , with this , of what was taking place - that [her]_{299-the lady} recognition had been even stranger for the pair in [the boat]_{2514-the boat} , that [her]_{299-the lady} immediate impulse had been to control it , and that [she]_{299-the lady} was quickly and intensely debating with [Chad]_111-chad the risk of betrayal . [He]_82-strether saw [they]_2492-their would show nothing if [they]_2492-their could feel sure [he]_82-strether had n't made [them]_2492-their out ; so that [he]_82-strether had before [him]_82-strether for a few seconds [his]_82-strether own hesitation . It was a sharp fantastic crisis that had popped up as if in a dream , and it had had only to last the few seconds to make [him]_82-strether feel it as quite horrible . [They]_2492-their were thus , on either side , TRYING the other side , and all for some reason that broke the stillness like some unprovoked harsh note . It seemed to [him]_82-strether again , within the limit , that [he]_82-strether had but one thing to do - to settle [their]_2492-their common question by some sign of surprise and joy . [He]_82-strether hereupon gave large play to these things , agitating [his]_82-strether hat and [his]_82-strether stick and loudly calling out - a demonstration that brought [him]_82-strether relief as soon as [he]_82-strether had seen it answered . [The boat]_{2514-the boat} , in mid - stream , still went a little wild - which seemed natural , however , while [Chad]_111-chad turned round , half springing up ; and [[his]_82-strether good friend]_{4431-his good friend} , after blankness and wonder , began gaily to wave [her]_{4431-his good friend} parasol . [Chad]_111-chad dropped afresh to [his]_111-chad paddles and [the boat]_{2514-the boat} headed round , amazement and pleasantry filling the air meanwhile , and relief , as [Strether]_82-strether continued to fancy , superseding mere violence . [[Our]_2518-our friend]_{235-our friend} went down to [the water]_{2483-the water} under this odd impression as of violence averted - the violence of [their]_2492-their having " cut "_[2492-their] [him]_82-strether , out there in the eye of nature , on the assumption that [he]_82-strether would n't know it . [He]_82-strether awaited [them]_2492-their with a face from which [he]_82-strether was conscious of not being able quite to banish this idea that [they]_2492-their would have gone on , not seeing and not knowing , missing [their]_2492-their dinner and disappointing [[their]_2492-their hostess]_{3167-their hostess} , had [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether taken a line to match . That at least was what darkened [his]_82-strether vision for the moment . Afterwards , after [they]_2492-their had bumped at [the landing - place]_{2522-the landing - place} and [he]_82-strether had assisted [their]_2492-their getting [ashore]_2523-ashore , everything found itself sponged over by the mere miracle of the encounter . [They]_2492-their could so much better at last , on either side , treat it as a wild extravagance of hazard , that the situation was made elastic by the amount of explanation called into play . Why indeed - apart from oddity - the situation should have been really stiff was a question naturally not practical at the moment , and in fact , so far as [we]_2524-we are concerned , a question tackled , later on and in private , only by [Strether]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether was to reflect later on and in private that it was mainly [HE]_82-strether who had explained - as [he]_82-strether had had moreover comparatively little difficulty in doing . [He]_82-strether was to have at all events meanwhile the worrying thought of [their]_2492-their perhaps secretly suspecting [him]_82-strether of having plotted this coincidence , taking such pains as might be to give it the semblance of an accident . That possibility - as [their]_2492-their imputation - did n't of course bear looking into for an instant ; yet the whole incident was so manifestly , arrange it as [they]_2492-their would , an awkward one , that [he]_82-strether could scarce keep disclaimers in respect to [his]_82-strether own presence from rising to [his]_82-strether lips . Disclaimers of intention would have been as tactless as [his]_82-strether presence was practically gross ; and the narrowest escape [they]_2492-their either of [them]_2492-their had was [his]_82-strether lucky escape , in the event , from making any . Nothing of the sort , so far as surface and sound were involved , was even in question ; surface and sound all made for [their]_2492-their common ridiculous good fortune , for the general invraisemblance of the occasion , for the charming chance that [they]_2492-their had , [the others]_{544-the others} , in passing , ordered some food to be ready , the charming chance that [he]_82-strether had [himself]_82-strether not eaten , the charming chance , even more , that [their]_2492-their little plans , [their]_2492-their hours , [[their]_2492-their train]_{2526-their train} , in short , from [la - bas]_{72-la - bas} , would all match for [their]_2492-their return together to [Paris]_1-paris . The chance that was most charming of all , the chance that drew from [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} clearest , gayest " Comme cela se trouve ! "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} was the announcement made to [Strether]_82-strether after [they]_2492-their were seated at table , the word given [him]_82-strether by [[their]_2492-their hostess]_{3167-their hostess} in respect to [[his]_82-strether carriage]_{2528-his carriage} for [the station]_{1297-the station} , on which [he]_82-strether might now count . It settled the matter for [[his]_82-strether friends]_{3952-his friends} as well ; the conveyance - it WAS all too lucky ! - would serve for [them]_2492-their ; and nothing was more delightful than [his]_82-strether being in a position to make [the train]_{1290-the train} so definite . It might have been , for [themselves]_2492-their - to hear [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} - almost unnaturally vague , a detail left to be fixed ; though [Strether]_82-strether indeed was afterwards to remember that [Chad]_111-chad had promptly enough intervened to forestall this appearance , laughing at [[his]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} 's flightiness and making the point that [he]_111-chad had after all , in spite of the bedazzlement of a day out with [her]_{388-his companion} , known what [he]_111-chad was about . [Strether]_82-strether was to remember afterwards further that this had had for [him]_82-strether the effect of forming [Chad]_111-chad 's almost sole intervention ; and indeed [he]_82-strether was to remember further still , in subsequent meditation , many things that , as it were , fitted together . Another of [them]_2533-them was for instance that [the wonderful woman]_{4655-the wonderful woman} 's overflow of surprise and amusement was wholly into French , which [she]_{4655-the wonderful woman} struck [him]_82-strether as speaking with an unprecedented command of idiomatic turns , but in which [she]_{4655-the wonderful woman} got , as [he]_82-strether might have said , somewhat away from [him]_82-strether , taking all at once little brilliant jumps that [he]_82-strether could but lamely match . The question of [his]_82-strether own French had never come up for [them]_2535-they ; it was the one thing [she]_{4655-the wonderful woman} would n't have permitted - it belonged , for [a person who had been through much , to mere boredom]_{2536-a person who had been through much , to mere boredom} ; but the present result was odd , fairly veiling [her]_{4655-the wonderful woman} identity , shifting [her]_{4655-the wonderful woman} back into a mere voluble class or race to the intense audibility of which [he]_82-strether was by this time inured . When [she]_{4655-the wonderful woman} spoke the charming slightly strange English [he]_82-strether best knew [her]_{4655-the wonderful woman} by [he]_82-strether seemed to feel [her]_{4655-the wonderful woman} as [a creature , among all the millions]_{2537-a creature , among all the millions} , with a language quite to [herself]_{4655-the wonderful woman} , the real monopoly of a special shade of speech , beautifully easy for [her]_{4655-the wonderful woman} , yet of a colour and a cadence that were both inimitable and matters of accident . [She]_{4655-the wonderful woman} came back to these things after [they]_2535-they had shaken down in [the inn - parlour]_{2538-the inn - parlour} and knew , as it were , what was to become of [them]_2535-they ; it was inevitable that loud ejaculation over the prodigy of [their]_2535-they convergence should at last wear itself out . Then it was that [his]_82-strether impression took fuller form - the impression , destined only to deepen , to complete itself , that [they]_2535-they had something to put a face upon , to carry off and make the best of , and that it was [she]_{4655-the wonderful woman} who , admirably on the whole , was doing this . It was familiar to [him]_82-strether of course that [they]_2535-they had something to put a face upon ; [their]_2535-they friendship , [their]_2535-they connexion , took any amount of explaining - that would have been made familiar by [his]_82-strether twenty minutes with [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} if it had n't already been so . Yet [his]_82-strether theory , as [we]_2539-we know , had bountifully been that the facts were specifically none of [his]_82-strether business , and were , over and above , so far as one had to do with them , intrinsically beautiful ; and this might have prepared [him]_82-strether for anything , as well as rendered [him]_82-strether proof against mystification . When [he]_82-strether reached [home]_2874-home that night , however , [he]_82-strether knew [he]_82-strether had been , at bottom , neither prepared nor proof ; and since [we]_2539-we have spoken of what [he]_82-strether was , after [his]_82-strether return , to recall and interpret , it may as well immediately be said that [his]_82-strether real experience of these few hours put on , in that belated vision - for [he]_82-strether scarce went to bed till morning - the aspect that is most to [our]_2539-we purpose . [He]_82-strether then knew more or less how [he]_82-strether had been affected - [he]_82-strether but half knew at the time . There had been plenty to affect [him]_82-strether even after , as has been said , [they]_2541-they had shaken down ; for [his]_82-strether consciousness , though muffled , had its sharpest moments during this passage , a marked drop into innocent friendly Bohemia . [They]_2541-they then had put [their]_2541-they elbows on the table , deploring the premature end of [their]_2541-they two or three dishes ; which [they]_2541-they had tried to make up with another bottle while [Chad]_111-chad joked a little spasmodically , perhaps even a little irrelevantly , with [the hostess]_{2542-the hostess} . What it all came to had been that fiction and fable WERE , inevitably , in the air , and not as a simple term of comparison , but as a result of things said ; also that [they]_2541-they were blinking it , all round , and that [they]_2541-they yet need n't , so much as that , have blinked it - though indeed if [they]_2541-they had n't [Strether]_82-strether did n't quite see what else [they]_2541-they could have done . [Strether]_82-strether did n't quite see THAT even at an hour or two past midnight , even when [he]_82-strether had , at [[his]_82-strether hotel]_{567-his hotel} , for a long time , without a light and without undressing , sat back on [his]_82-strether bedroom sofa and stared straight before [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether was , at that point of vantage , in full possession , to make of it all what [he]_82-strether could . [He]_82-strether kept making of it that there had been simply a LIE in the charming affair - a lie on which [one]_2797-one could now , detached and deliberate , perfectly put [one]_2797-one 's finger . It was with the lie that [they]_2541-they had eaten and drunk and talked and laughed , that [they]_2541-they had waited for [their]_2541-they carriole rather impatiently , and had then got into [the vehicle]_{4570-the vehicle} and , sensibly subsiding , driven [their]_2541-they three or four miles through the darkening summer night . The eating and drinking , which had been a resource , had had the effect of having served its turn ; the talk and laughter had done as much ; and it was during [their]_2541-they somewhat tedious progress to [the station]_{1297-the station} , during the waits there , the further delays , [their]_2541-they submission to fatigue , [their]_2541-they silences in [the dim compartment of [the much - stopping train]_{2549-the much - stopping train}]_{2548-the dim compartment of the much - stopping train} , that [he]_82-strether prepared [himself]_82-strether for reflexions to come . It had been a performance , [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's manner , and though it had to that degree faltered toward the end , as through [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} ceasing to believe in it , as if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had asked [herself]_{85-madame de vionnet} , or [Chad]_111-chad had found a moment surreptitiously to ask [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , what after all was the use , a performance it had none the less quite handsomely remained , with the final fact about it that it was on the whole easier to keep up than to abandon . From the point of view of presence of mind it had been very wonderful indeed , wonderful for readiness , for beautiful assurance , for the way [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} decision was taken on the spot , without time to confer with [Chad]_111-chad , without time for anything . [Their]_2541-they only conference could have been the brief instants in [the boat]_{2514-the boat} before [they]_2541-they confessed to recognising [the spectator on the bank]_{2551-the spectator on the bank} , for [they]_2541-they had n't been alone together a moment since and must have communicated all in silence . It was a part of the deep impression for [Strether]_82-strether , and not the least of the deep interest , that [they]_2541-they COULD so communicate - that [Chad]_111-chad in particular could let [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} know [he]_111-chad left it to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_111-chad habitually left things to [others]_2890-others , as [Strether]_82-strether was so well aware , and it in fact came over [[our]_2553-our friend]_{235-our friend} in these meditations that there had been as yet no such vivid illustration of [his]_111-chad famous knowing how to live . It was as if [he]_111-chad had humoured [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} to the extent of letting [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} lie without correction - almost as if , really , [he]_111-chad would be coming round in the morning to set the matter , as between [Strether]_82-strether and [himself]_111-chad , right . Of course [he]_111-chad could n't quite come ; it was a case in which [a man]_{572-a man} was obliged to accept [the woman]_{629-the woman} 's version , even when fantastic ; if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had , with more flurry than [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} cared to show , elected , as the phrase was , to represent that [they]_2557-they had left [Paris]_1-paris that morning , and with no design but of getting back within the day - if [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had so sized - up , in the Woollett phrase , [their]_2557-they necessity , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} knew best [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} own measure . There were things , all the same , it was impossible to blink and which made this measure an odd one - the too evident fact for instance that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had n't started out for the day dressed and hatted and shod , and even , for that matter , pink parasol'd , as [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had been in [the boat]_{2514-the boat} . From what did the drop in [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} assurance proceed as the tension increased - from what did this slightly baffled ingenuity spring but from [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} consciousness of not presenting , as night closed in , with not so much as a shawl to wrap [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} round , an appearance that matched [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} story ? [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} admitted that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} was cold , but only to blame [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} imprudence which [Chad]_111-chad suffered [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} to give such account of as [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} might . [Her]_{85-madame de vionnet} shawl and [Chad]_111-chad 's overcoat and [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} other garments , and [his]_111-chad , those [they]_2557-they had each worn the day before , were at [the place]_{2826-the place} , best known to [themselves]_2557-they - a quiet retreat enough , no doubt - at which [they]_2557-they had been spending the twenty - four hours , to which [they]_2557-they had fully meant to return that evening , from which [they]_2557-they had so remarkably swum into [[Strether]_82-strether 's ken]_{2560-strether 's ken} , and the tacit repudiation of which had been thus the essence of [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} comedy . [Strether]_82-strether saw how [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had perceived in a flash that [they]_2557-they could n't quite look to going back there under [his]_82-strether nose ; though , honestly , as [he]_82-strether gouged deeper into the matter , [he]_82-strether was somewhat surprised , as [Chad]_111-chad likewise had perhaps been , at the uprising of this scruple . [He]_82-strether seemed even to divine that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had entertained it rather for [Chad]_111-chad than for [herself]_{85-madame de vionnet} , and that , as [the young man]_{2833-the young man} had lacked the chance to enlighten [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} , [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} had had to go on with it , [he]_82-strether meanwhile mistaking [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} motive . [He]_82-strether was rather glad , none the less , that [they]_2557-they had in point of fact not parted at [the Cheval Blanc]_{2452-the cheval blanc} , that [he]_82-strether had n't been reduced to giving [them]_2557-they [his]_82-strether blessing for an idyllic retreat down [the river]_{720-the river} . [He]_82-strether had had in the actual case to make - believe more than [he]_82-strether liked , but this was nothing , it struck [him]_82-strether , to what the other event would have required . Could [he]_82-strether , literally , quite have faced the other event ? Would [he]_82-strether have been capable of making the best of it with [them]_2557-they ? This was what [he]_82-strether was trying to do now ; but with the advantage of [his]_82-strether being able to give more time to it a good deal counteracted by [his]_82-strether sense of what , over and above the central fact itself , [he]_82-strether had to swallow . It was the quantity of make - believe involved and so vividly exemplified that most disagreed with [his]_82-strether spiritual stomach . [He]_82-strether moved , however , from the consideration of that quantity - to say nothing of the consciousness of that organ - back to the other feature of the show , the deep , deep truth of the intimacy revealed . That was what , in [his]_82-strether vain vigil , [he]_82-strether oftenest reverted to : intimacy , at such a point , was LIKE that - and what in [the world]_{2804-the world} else would [one]_2797-one have wished it to be like ? It was all very well for [him]_82-strether to feel the pity of its being so much like lying ; [he]_82-strether almost blushed , in the dark , for the way [he]_82-strether had dressed the possibility in vagueness , as [a little girl]_{4447-a little girl} might have dressed [her]_{4447-a little girl} doll . [He]_82-strether had made [them]_2557-they - and by no fault of [their]_2557-they own - momentarily pull it for [him]_82-strether , the possibility , out of this vagueness ; and must [he]_82-strether not therefore take it now as [they]_2557-they had had simply , with whatever thin attenuations , to give it to [him]_82-strether ? The very question , it may be added , made [him]_82-strether feel lonely and cold . There was the element of the awkward all round , but [Chad]_111-chad and [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had at least the comfort that [they]_2557-they could talk it over together . With whom could [HE]_82-strether talk of such things ? - unless indeed always , at almost any stage , with [Maria]_97-mamie ? [He]_82-strether foresaw that [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} would come again into requisition on the morrow ; though it was n't to be denied that [he]_82-strether was already a little afraid of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} " What on earth - that 's what [I]_{99-miss gostrey} want to know now - had [you]_{99-miss gostrey} then supposed ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [He]_82-strether recognised at last that [he]_82-strether had really been trying all along to suppose nothing . Verily , verily , [his]_82-strether labour had been lost . [He]_82-strether found [himself]_82-strether supposing innumerable and wonderful things . [Book Twelfth I Strether]_195-strether could n't have said [he]_82-strether had during the previous hours definitely expected it ; yet when , later on , that morning - though no later indeed than for [his]_82-strether coming forth at ten o'clock - [he]_82-strether saw [the concierge]_{903-the concierge} produce , on [his]_82-strether approach , a petit bleu delivered since [his]_82-strether letters had been sent up , [he]_82-strether recognised the appearance as the first symptom of a sequel . [He]_82-strether then knew [he]_82-strether had been thinking of some early sign from [Chad]_111-chad as more likely , after all , than not ; and this would be precisely the early sign . [He]_82-strether took it so for granted that [he]_82-strether opened the petit bleu just where [he]_82-strether had stopped , in the pleasant cool draught of [the porte - cochere]_{4520-the porte - cochere} - only curious to see where [the young man]_{2833-the young man} would , at such a juncture , break out . [His]_82-strether curiosity , however , was more than gratified ; the small missive , whose gummed edge [he]_82-strether had detached without attention to the address , not being from [the young man]_{2833-the young man} at all , but from [the person whom the case]_{2571-the person whom the case} gave [him]_82-strether on the spot as still more worth while . Worth while or not , [he]_82-strether went round to [the nearest telegraph - office]_{2572-the nearest telegraph - office} , [the big one on [the Boulevard]_{1346-the boulevard}]_{2573-the big one on the boulevard} , with a directness that almost confessed to a fear of the danger of delay . [He]_82-strether might have been thinking that if [he]_82-strether did n't go before [he]_82-strether could think [he]_82-strether would n't perhaps go at all . [He]_82-strether at any rate kept , in the lower side - pocket of [his]_82-strether morning coat , a very deliberate hand on [his]_82-strether blue missive , crumpling it up rather tenderly than harshly . [He]_82-strether wrote a reply , on [the Boulevard]_{1346-the boulevard} , also in the form of a petit bleu - which was quickly done , under pressure of [the place]_{2826-the place} , inasmuch as , like [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's own communication , it consisted of the fewest words . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} had asked [him]_82-strether if [he]_82-strether could do [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} the very great kindness of coming to see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} that evening at half - past nine , and [he]_82-strether answered , as if nothing were easier , that [he]_82-strether would present [himself]_82-strether at the hour [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} named . [She]_{85-madame de vionnet} had added a line of postscript , to the effect that [she]_{85-madame de vionnet} would come to [him]_82-strether elsewhere and at [his]_82-strether own hour if [he]_82-strether preferred ; but [he]_82-strether took no notice of this , feeling that if [he]_82-strether saw [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} at all half the value of it would be in seeing [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} where [he]_82-strether had already seen [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} best . [He]_82-strether might n't see [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} at all ; that was one of the reflexions [he]_82-strether made after writing and before [he]_82-strether dropped [his]_82-strether closed card into the box ; [he]_82-strether might n't see [any one]_{2912-any one} at all any more at all ; [he]_82-strether might make an end as well now as ever , leaving things as they were , since [he]_82-strether was doubtless not to leave them better , and taking [his]_82-strether way [home]_2874-home so far as should appear that a [home]_2874-home remained to [him]_82-strether . This alternative was for a few minutes so sharp that if [he]_82-strether at last did deposit [his]_82-strether missive it was perhaps because the pressure of [the place]_{2826-the place} had an effect . There was none other , however , than the common and constant pressure , familiar to [[our]_2581-our friend]_{235-our friend} under the rubric of [Postes et Telegraphes]_{2583-postes et telegraphes} - the something in the air of [these establishments]_{2584-these establishments} ; the vibration of the vast strange life of [the town]_{312-the town} , the influence of the types , [the performers]_{2586-the performers} concocting [their]_{2586-the performers} messages ; [the little prompt [Paris]_1-paris women]_{2587-the little prompt paris women} , arranging , pretexting goodness knew what , driving the dreadful needle - pointed public pen at the dreadful sand - strewn public table : implements that symbolised for [Strether]_195-strether 's too interpretative innocence something more acute in manners , more sinister in morals , more fierce in the national life . After [he]_82-strether had put in [his]_82-strether paper [he]_82-strether had ranged [himself]_82-strether , [he]_82-strether was really amused to think , on the side of the fierce , the sinister , the acute . [He]_82-strether was carrying on a correspondence , across [the great city]_{2588-the great city} , quite in the key of [the Postes et Telegraphes]_{2589-the postes et telegraphes} in general ; and it was fairly as if the acceptance of that fact had come from something in [his]_82-strether state that sorted with the occupation of [[his]_82-strether neighbours]_{2590-his neighbours} . [He]_82-strether was mixed up with the typical tale of [Paris]_1-paris , and so were [they]_2591-they , poor things - how could [they]_2591-they all together help being ? [They]_2591-they were no worse than [he]_82-strether , in short , and [he]_82-strether no worse than [they]_2591-they - if , queerly enough , no better ; and at all events [he]_82-strether had settled [his]_82-strether hash , so that [he]_82-strether went out to begin , from that moment , [his]_82-strether day of waiting . [The great settlement]_{2592-the great settlement} was , as [he]_82-strether felt , in [his]_82-strether preference for seeing [[his]_82-strether correspondent]_{2593-his correspondent} in [her]_{2593-his correspondent} own best conditions . THAT was part of the typical tale , the part most significant in respect to [himself]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether liked the place [she]_{2593-his correspondent} lived in , the picture that each time squared itself , large and high and clear , around [her]_{2593-his correspondent} : every occasion of seeing it was a pleasure of a different shade . Yet what precisely was [he]_82-strether doing with shades of pleasure now , and why had n't [he]_82-strether properly and logically compelled [her]_{2593-his correspondent} to commit [herself]_{2593-his correspondent} to whatever of disadvantage and penalty the situation might throw up ? [He]_82-strether might have proposed , as for [Sarah Pocock]_126-sarah , the cold hospitality of [his]_82-strether own salon de lecture , in which the chill of [Sarah]_126-sarah 's visit seemed still to abide and shades of pleasure were dim ; [he]_82-strether might have suggested a stone bench in [the dusty Tuileries]_{2594-the dusty tuileries} or a penny chair at [the back part of [the Champs Elysees]_{2596-the champs elysees}]_{2595-the back part of the champs elysees} . These things would have been a trifle stern , and sternness alone now would n't be sinister . An instinct in [him]_82-strether cast about for some form of discipline in which [they]_2597-they might meet - some awkwardness [they]_2597-they would suffer from , some danger , or at least some grave inconvenience , [they]_2597-they would incur . This would give a sense - which the spirit required , rather ached and sighed in the absence of - that [somebody]_{2913-somebody} was paying something somewhere and somehow , that [they]_2597-they were at least not all floating together on the silver stream of impunity . Just instead of that to go and see [her]_{2593-his correspondent} late in the evening , as if , for all [the world]_{2804-the world} - well , as if [he]_82-strether were as much in the swim as [anybody else]_{1820-anybody else} : this had as little as possible in common with the penal form . Even when [he]_82-strether had felt that objection melt away , however , the practical difference was small ; the long stretch of [his]_82-strether interval took the colour it would , and if [he]_82-strether lived on thus with the sinister from hour to hour it proved an easier thing than [one]_2797-one might have supposed in advance . [He]_82-strether reverted in thought to [his]_82-strether old tradition , the one [he]_82-strether had been brought up on and which even so many years of life had but little worn away ; the notion that the state of [the wrongdoer]_{2602-the wrongdoer} , or at least [this person]_{4560-this person} 's happiness , presented some special difficulty . What struck [him]_82-strether now rather was the ease of it - for nothing in truth appeared easier . It was an ease [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether fairly tasted of for the rest of the day ; giving [himself]_82-strether quite up ; not so much as trying to dress it out , in any particular whatever , as a difficulty ; not after all going to see [Maria]_97-mamie - which would have been in a manner a result of such dressing ; only idling , lounging , smoking , sitting in the shade , drinking lemonade and consuming ices . The day had turned to heat and eventual thunder , and [he]_82-strether now and again went back to [[his]_82-strether hotel]_{567-his hotel} to find that [Chad]_111-chad had n't been [there]_311-there . [He]_82-strether had n't yet struck [himself]_82-strether , since leaving [Woollett]_87-woollett , so much as a loafer , though there had been times when [he]_82-strether believed [himself]_82-strether touching bottom . This was a deeper depth than any , and with no foresight , scarcely with a care , as to what [he]_82-strether should bring up . [He]_82-strether almost wondered if [he]_82-strether did n't LOOK demoralised and disreputable ; [he]_82-strether had the fanciful vision , as [he]_82-strether sat and smoked , of some accidental , some motived , return of [the Pococks , who would be passing along [the Boulevard]_{1346-the boulevard} and would catch this view of [him]_82-strether]_{2606-the pococks , who would be passing along the boulevard and would catch this view of him} . [They]_{2606-the pococks , who would be passing along the boulevard and would catch this view of him} would have distinctly , on [his]_82-strether appearance , every ground for scandal . But fate failed to administer even that sternness ; [the Pococks]_{135-the pococks} never passed and [Chad]_111-chad made no sign . [Strether]_195-strether meanwhile continued to hold off from [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , keeping [her]_{99-miss gostrey} till to - morrow ; so that by evening [his]_195-strether irresponsibility , [his]_195-strether impunity , [his]_195-strether luxury , had become - there was no other word for [them]_2608-them - immense . Between nine and ten , at last , in the high clear picture - [he]_195-strether was moving in these days , as in [a gallery]_{2609-a gallery} , from clever canvas to clever canvas - [he]_195-strether drew a long breath : it was so presented to [him]_195-strether from the first that the spell of [his]_195-strether luxury would n't be broken . [He]_195-strether would n't have , that is , to become responsible - this was admirably in the air : [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had sent for [him]_195-strether precisely to let [him]_195-strether feel it , so that [he]_195-strether might go on with the comfort comfort already established , had n't it been ? of regarding [his]_195-strether ordeal , the ordeal of the weeks of [Sarah]_126-sarah 's stay and of [their]_2610-their climax , as safely traversed and left behind [him]_195-strether . Did n't [she]_{99-miss gostrey} just wish to assure [him]_195-strether that [SHE]_{99-miss gostrey} now took it all and so kept it ; that [he]_195-strether was absolutely not to worry any more , was only to rest on [his]_195-strether laurels and continue generously to help [her]_{99-miss gostrey} ? The light in [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} beautiful formal room]_{2611-her beautiful formal room} was dim , though it would do , as everything would always do ; the hot night had kept out lamps , but there was a pair of clusters of candles that glimmered over the chimney - piece like the tall tapers of an altar . The windows were all open , their redundant hangings swaying a little , and [he]_195-strether heard once more , from [the empty court]_{2612-the empty court} , the small plash of the fountain . From beyond this , and as from a great distance - beyond [the court]_{3762-the court} , beyond [the corps de logis forming the front]_{2614-the corps de logis forming the front} - came , as if excited and exciting , the vague voice of [Paris]_1-paris . [Strether]_195-strether had all along been subject to sudden gusts of fancy in connexion with such matters as these - odd starts of the historic sense , suppositions and divinations with no warrant but their intensity . Thus and so , on the eve of the great recorded dates , the days and nights of revolution , the sounds had come in , the omens , the beginnings broken out . They were the smell of revolution , the smell of the public temper - or perhaps simply the smell of blood . It was at present queer beyond words , ' subtle , " [he]_195-strether would have risked saying , that such suggestions should keep crossing the scene ; but it was doubtless the effect of the thunder in the air , which had hung about all day without release . [[His]_195-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} was dressed as for thunderous times , and it fell in with the kind of imagination [we]_4692-we have just attributed to [him]_195-strether that [she]_{320-his hostess} should be in simplest coolest white , of a character so old - fashioned , if [he]_195-strether were not mistaken , that [Madame Roland]_{196-madame roland} must on the scaffold have worn something like it . This effect was enhanced by a small black fichu or scarf , of crape or gauze , disposed quaintly round [her]_{99-miss gostrey} bosom and now completing as by a mystic touch the pathetic , the noble analogy . [Poor Strether]_195-strether in fact scarce knew what analogy was evoked for [him]_195-strether as [the charming woman]_{4328-the charming woman} , receiving [him]_195-strether and making [him]_195-strether , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} could do such things , at once familiarly and gravely welcome , moved over [[her]_{99-miss gostrey} great room]_{4694-her great room} with [her]_{99-miss gostrey} image almost repeated in [its]_{4694-her great room} polished floor , which had been fully bared for summer . The associations of [the place]_{2826-the place} , all felt again ; the gleam here and there , in the subdued light , of glass and gilt and parquet , with the quietness of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} own note as the centre - these things were at first as delicate as if they had been ghostly , and [he]_195-strether was sure in a moment that , whatever [he]_195-strether should find [he]_195-strether had come for , it would n't be for an impression that had previously failed [him]_195-strether . That conviction held [him]_195-strether from the outset , and , seeming singularly to simplify , certified to [him]_195-strether that the objects about would help [him]_195-strether , would really help [them]_4696-them both . No , [he]_195-strether might never see them again - this was only too probably the last time ; and [he]_195-strether should certainly see nothing in the least degree like them . [He]_195-strether should soon be going to where such things were not , and it would be a small mercy for memory , for fancy , to have , in that stress , a loaf on the shelf . [He]_195-strether knew in advance [he]_195-strether should look back on the perception actually sharpest with [him]_195-strether as on the view of something old , old , old , the oldest thing [he]_195-strether had ever personally touched ; and [he]_195-strether also knew , even while [he]_195-strether took [[his]_195-strether companion]_{388-his companion} in as the feature among features , that memory and fancy could n't help being enlisted for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} might intend what [she]_{99-miss gostrey} would , but this was beyond anything [she]_{99-miss gostrey} could intend , with things from far back - tyrannies of history , facts of type , values , as [the painters]_{4698-the painters} said , of expression - all working for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} and giving [her]_{99-miss gostrey} the supreme chance , the chance of the happy , the really luxurious few , the chance , on a great occasion , to be natural and simple . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had never , with [him]_195-strether , been more so ; or if it was the perfection of art it would never - and that came to the same thing - be proved against [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . What was truly wonderful was [her]_{99-miss gostrey} way of differing so from time to time without detriment to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} simplicity . Caprices , [he]_195-strether was sure [she]_{99-miss gostrey} felt , were before anything else bad manners , and that judgement in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} was by itself a thing making more for safety of intercourse than anything that in [his]_195-strether various own past intercourses [he]_195-strether had had to reckon on . If therefore [her]_{99-miss gostrey} presence was now quite other than the one [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had shown [him]_195-strether the night before , there was nothing of violence in the change - it was all harmony and reason . It gave [him]_195-strether [a mild deep person]_{4699-a mild deep person} , whereas [he]_195-strether had had on the occasion to which [their]_4700-their interview was a direct reference [a person committed to movement and surface and abounding in them]_{4701-a person committed to movement and surface and abounding in them} ; but [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was in either character more remarkable for nothing than for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} bridging of intervals , and this now fell in with what [he]_195-strether understood [he]_195-strether was to leave to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . The only thing was that , if [he]_195-strether was to leave it ALL to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} , why exactly had [she]_{99-miss gostrey} sent for [him]_195-strether ? [He]_195-strether had had , vaguely , in advance , [his]_195-strether explanation , [his]_195-strether view of the probability of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} wishing to set something right , to deal in some way with the fraud so lately practised on [his]_195-strether presumed credulity . Would [she]_{99-miss gostrey} attempt to carry it further or would [she]_{99-miss gostrey} blot it out ? Would [she]_{99-miss gostrey} throw over it some more or less happy colour ; or would [she]_{99-miss gostrey} do nothing about it at all ? [He]_195-strether perceived soon enough at least that , however reasonable [she]_{99-miss gostrey} might be , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was n't vulgarly confused , and it herewith pressed upon [him]_195-strether that [their]_4702-them eminent "_[2615-he] lie , " [Chad]_111-chad 's and [hers]_{99-miss gostrey} , was simply after all such an inevitable tribute to good taste as [he]_195-strether could n't have wished [them]_4702-them not to render . Away from [them]_4702-them , during [his]_195-strether vigil , [he]_195-strether had seemed to wince at the amount of comedy involved ; whereas in [his]_195-strether present posture [he]_195-strether could only ask [himself]_195-strether how [he]_195-strether should enjoy any attempt from [her]_{99-miss gostrey} to take the comedy back . [He]_195-strether should n't enjoy it at all ; but , once more and yet once more , [he]_195-strether could trust [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . That is [he]_195-strether could trust [her]_{99-miss gostrey} to make deception right . As [she]_{99-miss gostrey} presented things the ugliness - goodness knew why - went out of them ; none the less too that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} could present them , with an art of [her]_{99-miss gostrey} own , by not so much as touching [them]_4702-them . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} let the matter , at all events , lie where it was - where the previous twenty - four hours had placed it ; appearing merely to circle about it respectfully , tenderly , almost piously , while [she]_{99-miss gostrey} took up another question . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} knew [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had n't really thrown dust in [his]_195-strether eyes ; this , the previous night , before [they]_4703-they separated , had practically passed between [them]_4703-they ; and , as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had sent for [him]_195-strether to see what the difference thus made for [him]_195-strether might amount to , so [he]_195-strether was conscious at the end of five minutes that [he]_195-strether had been tried and tested . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had settled with [Chad]_111-chad after [he]_111-chad left [them]_4703-they that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} would , for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} satisfaction , assure [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} of this quantity , and [Chad]_111-chad had , as usual , let [her]_{99-miss gostrey} have [her]_{99-miss gostrey} way . [Chad]_111-chad was always letting [people]_2824-people have [their]_2824-people way when [he]_111-chad felt that it would somehow turn [his]_111-chad wheel for [him]_111-chad ; it somehow always did turn [his]_111-chad wheel . [Strether]_195-strether felt , oddly enough , before these facts , freshly and consentingly passive ; [they]_4703-they again so rubbed it into [him]_195-strether that [the couple]_{2038-the couple} thus fixing [his]_195-strether attention were intimate , that [his]_195-strether intervention had absolutely aided and intensified [their]_4703-they intimacy , and that in fine [he]_195-strether must accept the consequence of that . [He]_195-strether had absolutely become , [himself]_195-strether , with [his]_195-strether perceptions and [his]_195-strether mistakes , [his]_195-strether concessions and [his]_195-strether reserves , the droll mixture , as it must seem to [them]_4703-they , of [his]_195-strether braveries and [his]_195-strether fears , the general spectacle of [his]_195-strether art and [his]_195-strether innocence , almost an added link and certainly a common priceless ground for [them]_4703-they to meet upon . It was as if [he]_195-strether had been hearing [their]_4703-they very tone when [she]_0-i brought out a reference that was comparatively straight . "_[2615-he] The last twice that [you]_2615-he 've been [here]_3103-here , [you]_2615-he know , [I]_0-i never asked [you]_2615-he , " [she]_0-i said with an abrupt transition - [they]_4703-they had been pretending before this to talk simply of the charm of yesterday and of the interest of [the country [they]_4703-they had seen]_{4706-the country they had seen} . The effort was confessedly vain ; not for such talk had [she]_0-i invited [him]_2615-he ; and [her]_0-i impatient reminder was of [their]_4703-they having done for it all the needful on [his]_2615-he coming to [her]_0-i after [Sarah]_126-sarah 's flight . What [she]_0-i had n't asked [him]_2615-he then was to state to [her]_0-i where and how [he]_2615-he stood for [her]_0-i ; [she]_0-i had been resting on [Chad]_111-chad 's report of [their]_4703-they midnight hour together in the Boulevard [Malesherbes]_{32-malesherbes} . The thing therefore [she]_0-i at present desired was ushered in by this recall of the two occasions on which , disinterested and merciful , [she]_0-i had n't worried [him]_2615-he . To - night truly [she]_0-i WOULD worry [him]_2615-he , and this was [her]_0-i appeal to [him]_2615-he to let [her]_0-i risk it . [He]_2615-he was n't to mind if [she]_0-i bored [him]_2615-he a little : [she]_0-i had behaved , after all - had n't [she]_0-i ? - so awfully , awfully well . II "_[0-i] Oh , [you]_2617-you 're all right , [you]_2617-you 're all right , " [he]_2615-he almost impatiently declared ; [his]_2615-he impatience being moreover not for [her]_0-i pressure , but for [her]_0-i scruple . More and more distinct to [him]_2615-he was the tune to which [she]_0-i would have had the matter out with [Chad]_111-chad : more and more vivid for [him]_2615-he the idea that [she]_0-i had been nervous as to what [he]_2615-he might be able to ' stand . "_[2617-you] Yes , it had been a question if [he]_2618-he had ' stood " what the scene on [the river]_{720-the river} had given [him]_2618-he , and , though [the young man]_{2833-the young man} had doubtless opined in favour of [his]_2615-he recuperation , [her]_0-i own last word must have been that [she]_0-i should feel easier in seeing for [herself]_0-i . That was it , unmistakeably ; [she]_0-i WAS seeing for [herself]_0-i . What [he]_2615-he could stand was thus , in these moments , in the balance for [Strether]_195-strether , who reflected , as [he]_2615-he became fully aware of it , that [he]_2615-he must properly brace [himself]_2615-he . [He]_2615-he wanted fully to appear to stand all [he]_2615-he might ; and there was a certain command of the situation for [him]_2615-he in this very wish not to look too much at [sea]_960-sea . [She]_0-i was ready with everything , but so , sufficiently , was [he]_2615-he ; that is [he]_2615-he was at one point the more prepared of the two , inasmuch as , for all [her]_0-i cleverness , [she]_0-i could n't produce on the spot - and it was surprising - an account of the motive of [her]_0-i note . [He]_2615-he had the advantage that [his]_2615-he pronouncing [her]_0-i "_[2618-he] all right " gave [him]_2615-he for an enquiry . "_[0-i] May [I]_0-i ask , delighted as [I]_0-i 've been to come , if [you]_2619-you 've wished to say something special ? " [He]_2615-he spoke as if [she]_0-i might have seen [he]_2615-he had been waiting for it - not indeed with discomfort , but with natural interest . Then [he]_2615-he saw that [she]_0-i was a little taken aback , was even surprised [herself]_0-i at the detail [she]_0-i had neglected - the only one ever yet ; having somehow assumed [he]_2615-he would know , would recognise , would leave some things not to be said . [She]_0-i looked at [him]_2615-he , however , an instant as if to convey that if [he]_2615-he wanted them ALL - ! "_[2619-you] Selfish and vulgar - that 's what [I]_0-i must seem to [you]_2619-you . [You]_2619-you 've done everything for [me]_0-i , and here [I]_0-i am as if [I]_0-i were asking for more . But it is n't , " [she]_0-i went on , "_[0-i] because [I]_0-i 'm afraid - though [I]_0-i AM of course afraid , as [a woman in [my]_0-i position]_{2620-a woman in my position} always is . [I]_0-i mean it is n't because [one]_2797-one lives in terror - it is n't because of that one is selfish , for [I]_0-i 'm ready to give [you]_2619-you [my]_0-i word to - night that [I]_0-i do n't care ; do n't care what still may happen and what [I]_0-i may lose . [I]_0-i do n't ask [you]_2619-you to raise [your]_2619-you little finger for [me]_0-i again , nor do [I]_0-i wish so much as to mention to [you]_2619-you what [we]_2622-we 've talked of before , either [my]_0-i danger or [my]_0-i safety , or [[his]_2623-he mother]_{3001-his mother} , or [[his]_2623-he sister]_{4135-his sister} , or [the girl [he]_2623-he may marry]_{2626-the girl he may marry} , or the fortune [he]_2623-he may make or miss , or the right or the wrong , of any kind , [he]_2623-he may do . If after the help [one]_2797-one has had from [you]_2619-you one ca n't either take care of [one]_2797-one 's self or simply hold [one]_2797-one 's tongue , [one]_2797-one must renounce all claim to be an object of interest . It 's in the name of what [I]_0-i DO care about that [I]_0-i 've tried still to keep hold of [you]_2619-you . How can [I]_0-i be indifferent , " [she]_0-i asked , "_[0-i] to how [I]_0-i appear to [you]_2619-you ? " And as [he]_2619-you found [himself]_2619-you unable immediately to say : "_[0-i] Why , if [you]_0-i 're going , NEED [you]_0-i , after all ? Is it impossible [you]_0-i should stay on - so that [one]_2797-one may n't lose [you]_0-i ? " "_[2797-one] Impossible [I]_0-i should live with [you]_0-i here instead of going [home]_2874-home ? " "_[2797-one] Not ' with ' [us]_2633-us , if [you]_2619-you object to that , but near enough to [us]_2633-us , somewhere , for [us]_2633-us to see [you]_2619-you - well , " [she]_0-i beautifully brought out , "_[2633-us] when [we]_2633-us feel [we]_2633-us MUST . How shall [we]_2633-us not sometimes feel it ? [I]_0-i 've wanted to see [you]_2619-you often when [I]_0-i could n't , " [she]_0-i pursued , "_[2633-us] all these last weeks . How sha n't [I]_0-i then miss [you]_2619-you now , with the sense of [your]_2619-you being gone forever ? " Then as if the straightness of this appeal , taking [him]_2619-you unprepared , had visibly left [him]_2619-you wondering : "_[0-i] Where IS [your]_2619-you ' home ' moreover now - what has become of it ? [I]_0-i 've made a change in [your]_2619-you life , [I]_0-i know [I]_0-i have ; [I]_0-i 've upset everything in [your]_2619-you mind as well ; in [your]_2619-you sense of - what shall [I]_0-i call it ? - all the decencies and possibilities . It gives [me]_0-i a kind of detestation - " [She]_0-i pulled up short . Oh but [he]_2619-you wanted to hear . "_[0-i] Detestation of what ? " "_[0-i] Of everything - of life . " "_[2634-ah] [Ah]_2634-ah that 's too much , " [he]_2619-you laughed - "_[2634-ah] or too little ! " "_[2634-ah] Too little , precisely " - [she]_0-i was eager . "_[2634-ah] What [I]_0-i hate is [myself]_0-i - when [I]_0-i think that [one]_2797-one has to take so much , to be happy , out of the lives of [others]_2890-others , and that [one]_2797-one is n't happy even then . [One]_2797-one does it to cheat [one]_2797-one 's self and to stop [one]_2797-one 's mouth - but that 's only at the best for a little . [The wretched self]_{2641-the wretched self} is always there , always making [one]_2797-one somehow a fresh anxiety . What it comes to is that it 's not , that it 's never , a happiness , any happiness at all , to TAKE . The only safe thing is to give . It 's what plays [you]_2619-you least false . " Interesting , touching , strikingly sincere as [she]_0-i let these things come from [her]_0-i , [she]_0-i yet puzzled and troubled [him]_2619-you - so fine was the quaver of [her]_0-i quietness . [He]_2619-you felt what [he]_2619-you had felt before with [her]_0-i , that there was always more behind what [she]_0-i showed , and more and more again behind that . "_[2619-you] [You]_2619-you know so , at least , " [she]_0-i added , "_[2619-you] where [you]_2619-you are ! " "_[2619-you] [YOU]_2619-you ought to know it indeed then ; for is n't what [you]_2619-you 've been giving exactly what has brought [us]_2643-us together this way ? [You]_2619-you 've been making , as [I]_0-i 've so fully let [you]_2619-you know [I]_0-i 've felt , " [Strether]_195-strether said , "_[2619-you] the most precious present [I]_0-i 've ever seen made , and if [you]_2619-you ca n't sit down peacefully on that performance [you]_2619-you ARE , no doubt , born to torment [yourself]_2619-you . But [you]_2619-you ought , " [he]_195-strether wound up , "_[2619-you] to be easy . " "_[2619-you] And not trouble [you]_2619-you any more , no doubt - not thrust on [you]_2619-you even the wonder and the beauty of what [I]_0-i 've done ; only let [you]_2619-you regard [our]_2643-us business as over , and well over , and see [you]_2619-you depart in a peace that matches [my]_0-i own ? No doubt , no doubt , no doubt , " [she]_0-i nervously repeated - "_[0-i] all the more that [I]_0-i do n't really pretend [I]_0-i believe [you]_2619-you could n't , for [yourself]_2619-you , NOT have done what [you]_2619-you have . [I]_0-i do n't pretend [you]_2619-you feel [yourself]_2619-you victimised , for this evidently is the way [you]_2619-you live , and it 's what - [we]_2643-us 're agreed - is the best way . Yes , as [you]_2619-you say , " [she]_0-i continued after a moment , "_[2619-you] [I]_0-i ought to be easy and rest on [my]_0-i work . Well then here am [I]_0-i doing so . [I]_0-i AM easy . [You]_2619-you 'll have it for [your]_2619-you last impression . When is it [you]_2619-you say [you]_2619-you go ? " [she]_0-i asked with a quick change . [He]_2619-you took some time to reply - [his]_2619-you last impression was more and more so mixed a one . It produced in [him]_2619-you a vague disappointment , a drop that was deeper even than the fall of [his]_2619-you elation the previous night . The good of what [he]_2619-you had done , if [he]_2619-you had done so much , was n't there to enliven [him]_2619-you quite to the point that would have been ideal for a grand gay finale . [Women]_350-women were thus endlessly absorbent , and to deal with [them]_350-women was to walk on [water]_4711-water . What was at bottom the matter with [her]_0-i , embroider as [she]_0-i might and disclaim as [she]_0-i might - what was at bottom the matter with [her]_0-i was simply [Chad]_111-chad [himself]_111-chad . It was of [Chad]_111-chad [she]_0-i was after all renewedly afraid ; the strange strength of [her]_0-i passion was the very strength of [her]_0-i fear ; [she]_0-i clung to [HIM]_111-chad , [Lambert Strether]_82-strether , as to a source of safety [she]_0-i had tested , and , generous graceful truthful as [she]_0-i might try to be , exquisite as [she]_0-i was , [she]_0-i dreaded the term of [his]_111-chad being within reach . With this sharpest perception yet , it was like a chill in the air to [him]_111-chad , it was almost appalling , that [a creature so fine could be , by mysterious forces , a creature so exploited]_{4712-a creature so fine could be , by mysterious forces , a creature so exploited} . For at the end of all things they WERE mysterious : [she]_0-i had but made [Chad]_111-chad what [he]_111-chad was - so why could [she]_0-i think [she]_0-i had made [him]_111-chad infinite ? [She]_0-i had made [him]_111-chad better , [she]_0-i had made [him]_111-chad best , [she]_0-i had made [him]_111-chad anything one would ; but it came to [[our]_4713-our friend]_{235-our friend} with supreme queerness that [he]_111-chad was none the less only [Chad]_111-chad . [Strether]_82-strether had the sense that [HE]_82-strether , a little , had made [him]_111-chad too ; [his]_82-strether high appreciation had as it were , consecrated [her]_0-i work The work , however admirable , was nevertheless of the strict human order , and in short it was marvellous that the companion of mere earthly joys , of comforts , aberrations however one classed them within the common experience should be so transcendently prized . It might have made [Strether]_82-strether hot or shy , as such secrets of [others brought]_{4715-others brought} [home]_2874-home sometimes do make [us]_4713-our ; but [he]_82-strether was held there by something so hard that it was fairly grim . This was not the discomposure of last night ; that had quite passed - such discomposures were a detail ; the real coercion was to see [a man ineffably adored]_{4717-a man ineffably adored} . There it was again - it took [women]_350-women , it took [women]_350-women ; if to deal with [them]_350-women was to walk on water what wonder that the water rose ? And it had never surely risen higher than round [this woman]_{4720-this woman} . [He]_82-strether presently found [himself]_82-strether taking a long look from [her]_{4720-this woman} , and the next thing [he]_82-strether knew [he]_82-strether had uttered all [his]_82-strether thought . "_[2619-you] [You]_2644-you 're afraid for [your]_2644-you life ! " It drew out [her]_{4720-this woman} long look , and [he]_82-strether soon enough saw why . A spasm came into [her]_{4720-this woman} face , the tears [she]_{4720-this woman} had already been unable to hide overflowed at first in silence , and then , as the sound suddenly comes from [a child , quickened to gasps , to sobs]_{4721-a child , quickened to gasps , to sobs} . [She]_{4720-this woman} sat and covered [her]_{4720-this woman} face with [her]_{4720-this woman} hands , giving up all attempt at a manner . "_[2644-you] It 's how [you]_2644-you see [me]_0-i , it 's how [you]_2644-you see [me]_0-i " - [she]_{4720-this woman} caught [her]_{4720-this woman} breath with it - "_[2644-you] and it 's as [I]_0-i AM , and as [I]_0-i must take [myself]_0-i , and of course it 's no matter . " [Her]_{4720-this woman} emotion was at first so incoherent that [he]_82-strether could only stand there at a loss , stand with [his]_82-strether sense of having upset [her]_{4720-this woman} , though of having done it by the truth . [He]_82-strether had to listen to [her]_{4720-this woman} in a silence that [he]_82-strether made no immediate effort to attenuate , feeling [her]_{4720-this woman} doubly woeful amid all [her]_{4720-this woman} dim diffused elegance ; consenting to it as [he]_82-strether had consented to the rest , and even conscious of some vague inward irony in the presence of such a fine free range of bliss and bale . [He]_82-strether could n't say it was NOT no matter ; for [he]_82-strether was serving [her]_{4720-this woman} to the end , [he]_82-strether now knew , anyway - quite as if what [he]_82-strether thought of [her]_{4720-this woman} had nothing to do with it . It was actually moreover as if [he]_82-strether did n't think of [her]_{4720-this woman} at all , as if [he]_82-strether could think of nothing but the passion , mature , abysmal , pitiful , [she]_{4720-this woman} represented , and the possibilities [she]_{4720-this woman} betrayed . [She]_{4720-this woman} was older for [him]_82-strether to - night , visibly less exempt from the touch of time ; but [she]_{4720-this woman} was as much as ever [the finest and subtlest creature]_{4722-the finest and subtlest creature} , [the happiest apparition]_{4723-the happiest apparition} , it had been given [him]_82-strether , in all [his]_82-strether years , to meet ; and yet [he]_82-strether could see [her]_{4720-this woman} there as vulgarly troubled , in very truth , as [a maidservant]_{4724-a maidservant} crying for [[her]_{4720-this woman} young man]_{4725-her young man} . The only thing was that [she]_{4720-this woman} judged [herself]_{4720-this woman} as [the maidservant]_{4726-the maidservant} would n't ; the weakness of which wisdom too , the dishonour of which judgement , seemed but to sink [her]_{4720-this woman} lower . [Her]_{4720-this woman} collapse , however , no doubt , was briefer and [she]_{4720-this woman} had in a manner recovered [herself]_{4720-this woman} before [he]_82-strether intervened . "_[2644-you] Of course [I]_0-i 'm afraid for [my]_0-i life . But that 's nothing . It is n't that . " [He]_82-strether was silent a little longer , as if thinking what it might be . "_[0-i] There 's something [I]_0-i have in mind that [I]_0-i can still do . " But [she]_{4720-this woman} threw off at last , with a sharp sad headshake , drying [her]_{4720-this woman} eyes , what [he]_82-strether could still do . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't care for that . Of course , as [I]_0-i 've said , [you]_0-i 're acting , in [your]_0-i wonderful way , for [yourself]_0-i ; and what 's for [yourself]_0-i is no more [my]_0-i business - though [I]_0-i may reach out unholy hands so clumsily to touch it - than if it were something in [Timbuctoo]_73-timbuctoo . It 's only that [you]_0-i do n't snub [me]_0-i , as [you]_0-i 've had fifty chances to do - it 's only [your]_0-i beautiful patience that makes [one]_2797-one forget [one]_2797-one 's manners . In spite of [your]_0-i patience , all the same , " [she]_0-i went on , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i 'd do anything rather than be with [us]_2647-us here , even if that were possible . [You]_0-i 'd do everything for [us]_2647-us but be mixed up with [us]_2647-us - which is a statement [you]_0-i can easily answer to the advantage of [your]_0-i own manners . [You]_0-i can say ' What 's the use of talking of things that at the best are impossible ? ' What IS of course the use ? It 's only [my]_0-i little madness . [You]_0-i 'd talk if [you]_0-i were tormented . And [I]_0-i do n't mean now about [HIM]_2648-him . Oh for [him]_2648-him - ! " Positively , strangely , bitterly , as it seemed to [Strether]_82-strether , [she]_0-i gave "_[2648-him] [him]_2648-him , " for the moment , away . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i do n't care what [I]_0-i think of [you]_0-i ; but [I]_0-i happen to care what [you]_0-i think of [me]_0-i . And what [you]_0-i MIGHT , " [she]_0-i added . "_[0-i] What [you]_0-i perhaps even did . " [He]_82-strether gained time . "_[0-i] What [I]_0-i did - ? " "_[0-i] Did think before . Before this . DIDn't [you]_0-i think - ? " But [he]_82-strether had already stopped [her]_0-i . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did n't think anything . [I]_0-i never think a step further than [I]_0-i 'm obliged to . " "_[0-i] That 's perfectly false , [I]_0-i believe , " [she]_0-i returned - "_[0-i] except that [you]_0-i may , no doubt , often pull up when things become TOO ugly ; or even , [I]_0-i 'll say , to save [you]_0-i a protest , too beautiful . At any rate , even so far as it 's true , [we]_2649-we 've thrust on [you]_0-i appearances that [you]_0-i 've had to take in and that have therefore made [your]_0-i obligation . Ugly or beautiful - it does n't matter what [we]_2649-we call [them]_2650-them - [you]_0-i were getting on without [them]_2650-them , and that 's where [we]_2649-we 're detestable . [We]_2649-we bore [you]_0-i - that 's where [we]_2649-we are . And [we]_2649-we may well - for what [we]_2649-we 've cost [you]_0-i . All [you]_0-i can do NOW is not to think at all . And [I]_0-i who should have liked to seem to [you]_0-i - well , sublime ! " [He]_4727-he could only after a moment re - echo [Miss Barrace]_{131-miss barrace} . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 're wonderful ! " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm old and abject and hideous " - [she]_0-i went on as without hearing [him]_4727-he . "_[0-i] Abject above all . Or old above all . It 's when [one]_2797-one 's old that it 's worst . [I]_0-i do n't care what becomes of it - let what WILL ; there it is . It 's a doom - [I]_0-i know it ; [you]_0-i ca n't see it more than [I]_0-i do [myself]_0-i . Things have to happen as they will . " With which [she]_0-i came back again to what , face to face with [him]_4727-he , had so quite broken down . "_[0-i] Of course [you]_0-i would n't , even if possible , and no matter what may happen to [you]_0-i , be near [us]_2652-us . But think of [me]_0-i , think of [me]_0-i - ! " [She]_0-i exhaled it into air . [He]_4727-he took refuge in repeating something [he]_4727-he had already said and that [she]_0-i had made nothing of . "_[0-i] There 's something [I]_0-i believe [I]_0-i can still do . " And [he]_4727-he put [his]_4727-he hand out for good - bye . [She]_0-i again made nothing of it ; [she]_0-i went on with [her]_0-i insistence . "_[0-i] That wo n't help [you]_0-i . There 's nothing to help [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Well , it may help [YOU]_0-i , " [he]_4727-he said . [She]_0-i shook [her]_0-i head . "_[0-i] There 's not a grain of certainty in [my]_0-i future - for the only certainty is that [I]_0-i shall be [the loser]_{2653-the loser} in the end . " [She]_0-i had n't taken [his]_4727-he hand , but [she]_0-i moved with [him]_4727-he to the door . "_[0-i] That 's cheerful , " [he]_4727-he laughed , "_[0-i] for [[your]_0-i benefactor]_{2654-your benefactor} ! " "_[0-i] What 's cheerful for [ME]_0-i , " [she]_0-i replied , "_[0-i] is that [we]_2655-we might , [you]_0-i and [I]_0-i , have been [friends]_2897-friends . That 's it - that 's it . [You]_0-i see how , as [I]_0-i say , [I]_0-i want everything . [I]_0-i 've wanted [you]_0-i too . " "_[0-i] Ah but [you]_0-i 've HAD [me]_0-i ! " [he]_4727-he declared , at the door , with an emphasis that made an end . [III]_111-chad [His]_4727-he purpose had been to see [Chad]_111-chad the next day , and [he]_4727-he had prefigured seeing [him]_111-chad by an early call ; having in general never stood on ceremony in respect to visits at [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} . It had been more often natural for [him]_4727-he to go [there]_311-there than for [Chad]_111-chad to come to [the small hotel]_{4730-the small hotel} , the attractions of which were scant ; yet it nevertheless , just now , at the eleventh hour , did suggest itself to [Strether]_82-strether to begin by giving [the young man]_{2833-the young man} a chance . It struck [him]_4727-he that , in the inevitable course , [Chad]_111-chad would be "_[0-i] round , " as [Waymarsh]_96-waymarsh used to say - Waymarsh who already , somehow , seemed long ago . [He]_4727-he had n't come the day before , because it had been arranged between [them]_4732-their that [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} should see [[their]_4732-their friend]_{2954-their friend} first ; but now that this passage had taken place [he]_4727-he would present [himself]_4727-he , and [[their]_4732-their friend]_{2954-their friend} would n't have long to wait . [Strether]_82-strether assumed , [he]_82-strether became aware , on this reasoning , that [the interesting parties to the arrangement]_{4735-the interesting parties to the arrangement} would have met [betimes]_197-betimes , and that the more interesting of [the two]_{2959-the two} - as [she]_197-betimes was after all - would have communicated to the other the issue of [her]_197-betimes appeal . [Chad]_111-chad would know without delay that [[his]_111-chad mother]_{3001-his mother} 's messenger had been with [her]_197-betimes , and , though it was perhaps not quite easy to see how [she]_197-betimes could qualify what had occurred , [he]_111-chad would at least have been sufficiently advised to feel [he]_111-chad could go on . The day , however , brought , early or late , no word from [him]_111-chad , and [Strether]_82-strether felt , as a result of this , that a change had practically come over [their]_4732-their intercourse . It was perhaps a premature judgement ; or it only meant perhaps - how could [he]_82-strether tell ? - that [the wonderful pair [he]_82-strether protected]_{4738-the wonderful pair he protected} had taken up again together the excursion [he]_82-strether had accidentally checked . [They]_{4738-the wonderful pair he protected} might have gone back to [the country]_{1660-the country} , and gone back but with a long breath drawn ; that indeed would best mark [Chad]_111-chad 's sense that reprobation had n't rewarded [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} 's request for an interview . At the end of the twenty - four hours , at the end of the forty - eight , there was still no overture ; so that [Strether]_82-strether filled up the time , as [he]_82-strether had so often filled it before , by going to see [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . [He]_82-strether proposed amusements to [her]_197-betimes ; [he]_82-strether felt expert now in proposing amusements ; and [he]_82-strether had thus , for several days , an odd sense of leading [her]_197-betimes about [Paris]_1-paris , of driving [her]_197-betimes in [the Bois]_{4740-the bois} , of showing [her]_197-betimes [the penny steamboats]_{4741-the penny steamboats} - those from which the breeze of [the Seine]_47-seine was to be best enjoyed - that might have belonged to [a kindly uncle doing the honours of [the capital]_{4743-the capital}]_{4742-a kindly uncle doing the honours of the capital} to [an Intelligent niece from [the country]_{1660-the country}]_{4744-an intelligent niece from the country} . [He]_82-strether found means even to take [her]_197-betimes to shops [she]_197-betimes did n't know , or that [she]_197-betimes pretended [she]_197-betimes did n't ; while [she]_197-betimes , on [her]_197-betimes side , was , like [the country maiden]_{4746-the country maiden} , all passive modest and grateful - going in fact so far as to emulate rusticity in occasional fatigues and bewilderments . [Strether]_82-strether described these vague proceedings to [himself]_82-strether , described them even to [her]_197-betimes , as a happy interlude ; the sign of which was that [the companions]_{707-the companions} said for the time no further word about the matter [they]_{707-the companions} had talked of to satiety . [He]_82-strether proclaimed satiety at the outset , and [she]_197-betimes quickly took the hint ; as docile both in this and in everything else as [the intelligent obedient niece]_{4748-the intelligent obedient niece} . [He]_82-strether told [her]_197-betimes as yet nothing of [his]_82-strether late adventure - for as an adventure it now ranked with [him]_82-strether ; [he]_82-strether pushed the whole business temporarily aside and found [his]_82-strether interest in the fact of [her]_197-betimes beautiful assent . [She]_197-betimes left questions unasked - [she]_197-betimes who for so long had been all questions ; [she]_197-betimes gave [herself]_197-betimes up to [him]_82-strether with an understanding of which mere mute gentleness might have seemed the sufficient expression . [She]_197-betimes knew [his]_82-strether sense of [his]_82-strether situation had taken still another step - of that [he]_82-strether was quite aware ; but [she]_197-betimes conveyed that , whatever had thus happened for [him]_82-strether , it was thrown into the shade by what was happening for [herself]_197-betimes . This - though it might n't to a detached spirit have seemed much - was the major interest , and [she]_197-betimes met it with a new directness of response , measuring it from hour to hour with [her]_197-betimes grave hush of acceptance . Touched as [he]_82-strether had so often been by [her]_197-betimes before , [he]_82-strether was , for [his]_82-strether part too , touched afresh ; all the more that though [he]_82-strether could be duly aware of the principle of [his]_82-strether own mood [he]_82-strether could n't be equally so of the principle of [hers]_197-betimes . [He]_82-strether knew , that is , in a manner - knew roughly and resignedly - what [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether was hatching ; whereas [he]_82-strether had to take the chance of what [he]_82-strether called to [himself]_82-strether [Maria]_97-mamie 's calculations . It was all [he]_82-strether needed that [she]_197-betimes liked [him]_82-strether enough for what [they]_4749-they were doing , and even should [they]_4749-they do a good deal more would still like [him]_82-strether enough for that ; the essential freshness of a relation so simple was a cool bath to the soreness produced by other relations . [These others]_{4458-these others} appeared to [him]_82-strether now horribly complex ; [they]_{4458-these others} bristled with fine points , points all unimaginable beforehand , points that pricked and drew blood ; a fact that gave to an hour with [[his]_82-strether present friend]_{4751-his present friend} on a bateau - mouche , or in the afternoon shade of [the Champs Elysees]_{75-the champs elysees} , something of the innocent pleasure of handling rounded ivory . [His]_82-strether relation with [Chad]_111-chad personally - from the moment [he]_82-strether had got [his]_82-strether point of view - had been of the simplest ; yet this also struck [him]_82-strether as bristling , after a third and a fourth blank day had passed . It was as if at last however [his]_82-strether care for such indications had dropped ; there came a fifth blank day and [he]_82-strether ceased to enquire or to heed . [They]_4749-they now took on to [his]_82-strether fancy , [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} and [he]_82-strether , the image of [the Babes]_{198-the babes} in [the Wood]_{4752-the wood} ; [they]_4749-they could trust the merciful elements to let [them]_4749-they continue at peace . [He]_82-strether had been great already , as [he]_82-strether knew , at postponements ; but [he]_82-strether had only to get afresh into the rhythm of one to feel its fine attraction . It amused [him]_82-strether to say to [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether might for all [the world]_{2804-the world} have been going to die - die resignedly ; the scene was filled for [him]_82-strether with so deep a death - bed hush , so melancholy a charm . That meant the postponement of everything else - which made so for the quiet lapse of life ; and the postponement in especial of the reckoning to come - unless indeed the reckoning to come were to be [one and the same thing with extinction]_{4754-one and the same thing with extinction} . It faced [him]_82-strether , the reckoning , over the shoulder of much interposing experience - which also faced [him]_82-strether ; and [one]_2797-one would float to it doubtless duly through [these caverns of [Kubla Khan]_{76-kubla khan}]_{4756-these caverns of kubla khan} . It was really behind everything ; it had n't merged in what [he]_82-strether had done ; [his]_82-strether final appreciation of what [he]_82-strether had done - [his]_82-strether appreciation on the spot - would provide it with its main sharpness . The spot so focussed was of course [Woollett]_87-woollett , and [he]_82-strether was to see , at the best , what [Woollett]_87-woollett would be with everything there changed for [him]_82-strether . Would n't THAT revelation practically amount to the wind - up of [his]_82-strether career ? Well , the summer 's end would show ; [his]_82-strether suspense had meanwhile exactly the sweetness of vain delay ; and [he]_82-strether had with it , [we]_4757-we should mention , other pastimes than [Maria]_97-mamie 's company - plenty of separate musings in which [his]_82-strether luxury failed [him]_82-strether but at one point . [He]_82-strether was well in port , [the outer sea]_{4758-the outer sea} behind [him]_82-strether , and it was only a matter of getting [ashore]_2523-ashore . There was a question that came and went for [him]_82-strether , however , as [he]_82-strether rested against the side of [[his]_82-strether ship]_{4760-his ship} , and it was a little to get rid of the obsession that [he]_82-strether prolonged [his]_82-strether hours with [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} . It was a question about [himself]_82-strether , but it could only be settled by seeing [Chad]_111-chad again ; it was indeed [his]_82-strether principal reason for wanting to see [Chad]_111-chad . After that it would n't signify - it was a ghost that certain words would easily lay to rest . Only [the young man]_{2833-the young man} must be there to take the words . Once [they]_4762-they were taken [he]_82-strether would n't have a question left ; none , that is , in connexion with this particular affair . It would n't then matter even to [himself]_82-strether that [he]_82-strether might now have been guilty of speaking BECAUSE of what [he]_82-strether had forfeited . That was the refinement of [his]_82-strether supreme scruple - [he]_82-strether wished so to leave what [he]_82-strether had forfeited out of account . [He]_82-strether wished not to do anything because [he]_82-strether had missed something else , because [he]_82-strether was sore or sorry or impoverished , because [he]_82-strether was maltreated or desperate ; [he]_82-strether wished to do everything because [he]_82-strether was lucid and quiet , just the same for [himself]_82-strether on all essential points as [he]_82-strether had ever been . Thus it was that while [he]_82-strether virtually hung about for [Chad]_111-chad [he]_82-strether kept mutely putting it : "_[0-i] [You]_2657-you 've been chucked , [old boy]_{2658-old boy} ; but what has that to do with it ? " It would have sickened [him]_82-strether to feel vindictive . These tints of feeling indeed were doubtless but the iridescence of [his]_82-strether idleness , and they were presently lost in a new light from [Maria]_97-mamie . [She]_97-mamie had a fresh fact for [him]_82-strether before the week was out , and [she]_97-mamie practically met [him]_82-strether with it on [his]_82-strether appearing one night . [He]_82-strether had n't on this day seen [her]_97-mamie , but had planned presenting [himself]_82-strether in due course to ask [her]_97-mamie to dine with [him]_82-strether somewhere out of doors , on one of [the terraces]_{4763-the terraces} , in one of [the gardens]_{3668-the gardens} , of which the Paris of summer was profuse . It had then come on to rain , so that , disconcerted , [he]_82-strether changed [his]_82-strether mind ; dining alone at [home]_2874-home , a little stuffily and stupidly , and waiting on [her]_97-mamie afterwards to make up [his]_82-strether loss . [He]_82-strether was sure within a minute that something had happened ; it was so in the air of [the rich little room]_{4766-the rich little room} that [he]_82-strether had scarcely to name [his]_82-strether thought . Softly lighted , the whole colour of [the place]_{2826-the place} , with [its]_{2826-the place} vague values , was in cool fusion - an effect that made [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} stand for a little agaze . It was as if in doing so now [he]_82-strether had felt a recent presence - [his]_82-strether recognition of the passage of which [[his]_82-strether hostess]_{320-his hostess} in turn divined . [She]_0-i had scarcely to say it - "_[2659-she] Yes , [she]_2659-she has been [here]_3103-here , and this time [I]_0-i received [her]_2659-she . " It was n't till a minute later that [she]_0-i added : "_[2659-she] There being , as [I]_0-i understand [you]_2661-you , no reason NOW - ! " "_[2659-she] None for [your]_2661-you refusing ? " "_[2659-she] No - if [you]_2661-you 've done what [you]_2661-you 've had to do . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've certainly so far done it , " [Strether]_82-strether said , "_[0-i] as that [you]_2661-you need n't fear the effect , or the appearance of coming between [us]_2662-us . There 's nothing between [us]_2662-us now but what [we]_2662-us [ourselves]_2662-us have put there , and not an inch of room for anything else whatever . Therefore [you]_2661-you 're only beautifully WITH [us]_2662-us as always - though doubtless now , if [she]_2659-she has talked to [you]_2661-you , rather more with [us]_2662-us than less . Of course if [she]_2659-she came , " [he]_82-strether added , "_[2659-she] it was to talk to [you]_2661-you . " "_[2659-she] It was to talk to [me]_0-i , " [Maria]_97-mamie returned ; on which [he]_82-strether was further sure that [she]_97-mamie was practically in possession of what [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether had n't yet told [her]_97-mamie . [He]_82-strether was even sure [she]_97-mamie was in possession of things [he]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether could n't have told ; for the consciousness of them was now all in [her]_97-mamie face and accompanied there with a shade of sadness that marked in [her]_97-mamie the close of all uncertainties . It came out for [him]_82-strether more than ever yet that [she]_97-mamie had had from the first a knowledge [she]_97-mamie believed [him]_82-strether not to have had , a knowledge the sharp acquisition of which might be destined to make a difference for [him]_82-strether . The difference for [him]_82-strether might not inconceivably be an arrest of [his]_82-strether independence and a change in [his]_82-strether attitude - in other words a revulsion in favour of the principles of [Woollett]_87-woollett . [She]_97-mamie had really prefigured the possibility of a shock that would send [him]_82-strether swinging back to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} . [He]_82-strether had n't , it was true , week after week , shown signs of receiving it , but the possibility had been none the less in the air . What [Maria]_97-mamie accordingly had had now to take in was that the shock had descended and that [he]_82-strether had n't , all the same , swung back . [He]_82-strether had grown clear , in a flash , on a point long since settled for [herself]_97-mamie ; but no reapproximation to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} had occurred in consequence . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had by [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} visit held up the torch to these truths , and what now lingered in poor [Maria]_97-mamie 's face was the somewhat smoky light of the scene between [them]_4770-them . If the light however was n't , as [we]_4771-we have hinted , the glow of joy , the reasons for this also were perhaps discernible to [Strether]_82-strether even through the blur cast over [them]_4770-them by [his]_82-strether natural modesty . [She]_97-mamie had held [herself]_97-mamie for months with a firm hand ; [she]_97-mamie had n't interfered on any chance - and chances were specious enough - that [she]_97-mamie might interfere to [her]_97-mamie profit . [She]_97-mamie had turned [her]_97-mamie back on the dream that [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} 's rupture , [[their]_4770-them friend]_{2954-their friend} 's forfeiture - the engagement the relation itself , broken beyond all mending - might furnish forth [her]_97-mamie advantage ; and , to stay [her]_97-mamie hand from promoting these things , [she]_97-mamie had on private , difficult , but rigid , lines , played strictly fair . [She]_97-mamie could n't therefore but feel that , though , as the end of all , the facts in question had been stoutly confirmed , [her]_97-mamie ground for personal , for what might have been called interested , elation remained rather vague . [Strether]_82-strether might easily have made out that [she]_97-mamie had been asking [herself]_97-mamie , in the hours [she]_97-mamie had just sat through , if there were still for [her]_97-mamie , or were only not , a fair shade of uncertainty . Let [us]_4773-us hasten to add , however , that what [he]_82-strether at first made out on this occasion [he]_82-strether also at first kept to [himself]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether only asked what in particular [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had come for , and as to this [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} was ready . "_[0-i] [She]_2663-she wants tidings of [Mr. Newsome]_{114-mr. newsome} , whom [she]_2663-she appears not to have seen for some days . " "_{[114-mr. newsome]} Then [she]_2663-she has n't been away with [him]_{114-mr. newsome} again ? " "_[2663-she] [She]_2663-she seemed to think , " [Maria]_97-mamie answered , "_[2663-she] that [he]_{114-mr. newsome} might have gone away with [YOU]_2664-you . " "_[2663-she] And did [you]_2664-you tell [her]_2663-she [I]_0-i know nothing of [him]_{114-mr. newsome} ? " [She]_0-i had [her]_0-i indulgent headshake . "_[2664-you] [I]_0-i 've known nothing of what [you]_2664-you know . [I]_0-i could only tell [her]_2663-she [I]_0-i 'd ask [you]_2664-you . " "_[2664-you] Then [I]_0-i 've not seen [him]_{114-mr. newsome} for a week - and of course [I]_0-i 've wondered . " [His]_{114-mr. newsome} wonderment showed at this moment as sharper , but [he]_{114-mr. newsome} presently went on . "_[0-i] Still , [I]_0-i dare say [I]_0-i can put [my]_0-i hand on [him]_{114-mr. newsome} . Did [she]_2663-she strike [you]_0-i , " [he]_{114-mr. newsome} asked , "_[2663-she] as anxious ? " "_[2663-she] [She]_2663-she 's always anxious . " "_[2663-she] After all [I]_0-i 've done for [her]_2663-she ? " And [he]_{114-mr. newsome} had one of the last flickers of [his]_{114-mr. newsome} occasional mild mirth . "_[2663-she] To think that was just what [I]_0-i came out to prevent ! " [She]_0-i took it up but to reply . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i do n't regard [him]_{114-mr. newsome} then as safe ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was just going to ask [you]_0-i how in that respect [you]_0-i regard [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " [She]_0-i looked at [him]_{114-mr. newsome} a little . "_[0-i] [What woman]_{2665-what woman} was EVER safe ? [She]_2663-she told [me]_0-i , " [she]_0-i added - and it was as if at the touch of the connexion - "_[2663-she] of [your]_0-i extraordinary meeting in [the country]_{1660-the country} . After that a quoi se fier ? " "_[2663-she] It was , as an accident , in all the possible or impossible chapter , " [Strether]_82-strether conceded , "_[2663-she] amazing enough . But still , but still - ! " "_[2663-she] But still [she]_2663-she did n't mind ? " "_[2663-she] [She]_2663-she does n't mind anything . " "_[2663-she] Well , then , as [you]_0-i do n't either , [we]_2667-we may all sink to rest ! " [He]_{114-mr. newsome} appeared to agree with [her]_0-i , but [he]_{114-mr. newsome} had [his]_{114-mr. newsome} reservation . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do mind [Chad]_111-chad 's disappearance . " "_[0-i] Oh [you]_0-i 'll get [him]_111-chad back . But now [you]_0-i know , " [she]_0-i said , "_[0-i] why [I]_0-i went to [Mentone]_45-mentone . " [He]_{114-mr. newsome} had sufficiently let [her]_0-i see that [he]_{114-mr. newsome} had by this time gathered things together , but there was nature in [her]_0-i wish to make them clearer still . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did n't want [you]_0-i to put it to [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] To put it to [you]_0-i - ? " "_[0-i] The question of what [you]_0-i were at last - a week ago - to see for [yourself]_0-i . [I]_0-i did n't want to have to lie for [her]_2668-her . [I]_0-i felt that to be too much for [me]_0-i . [A man of course]_{2669-a man of course} is always expected to do it - to do it , [I]_0-i mean , for [a woman]_{3063-a woman} ; but not [a woman for [another woman]_{1550-another woman}]_{2671-a woman for another woman} ; unless perhaps on the tit - for - tat principle , as an indirect way of protecting [herself]_2668-her . [I]_0-i do n't need protection , so that [I]_0-i was free to ' funk ' [you]_0-i - simply to dodge [your]_0-i test . The responsibility was too much for [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i gained time , and when [I]_0-i came back the need of a test had blown over . " [Strether]_82-strether thought of it serenely . "_[0-i] Yes ; when [you]_0-i came back [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had shown [me]_0-i what 's expected of [a gentleman]_{2955-a gentleman} . [Little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} had lied like one . " "_{[83-little bilham]} And like what [you]_0-i believed [him]_{83-little bilham} ? " "_[0-i] Well , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_{[83-little bilham]} it was but a technical lie - [he]_{83-little bilham} classed the attachment as virtuous . That was a view for which there was much to be said - and the virtue came out for [me]_0-i hugely There was of course a great deal of it . [I]_0-i got it full in the face , and [I]_0-i have n't , [you]_0-i see , done with it yet . " "_[0-i] What [I]_0-i see , what [I]_0-i saw , " [Maria]_97-mamie returned , "_[0-i] is that [you]_0-i dressed up even the virtue . [You]_0-i were wonderful - [you]_0-i were beautiful , as [I]_0-i 've had the honour of telling [you]_0-i before ; but , if [you]_0-i wish really to know , " [she]_0-i sadly confessed , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i never quite knew WHERE [you]_0-i were . There were moments , " [she]_0-i explained , "_[0-i] when [you]_0-i struck [me]_0-i as grandly cynical ; there were others when [you]_0-i struck [me]_0-i as grandly vague . " [[Her]_0-i friend]_{547-her friend} considered . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i had phases . [I]_0-i had flights . " "_[0-i] Yes , but things must have a basis . " "_[0-i] A basis seemed to [me]_0-i just what [her]_2674-she beauty supplied . " "_[2674-she] [Her]_2674-she beauty of [person]_2675-person ? " "_[2674-she] Well , [her]_2674-she beauty of everything . The impression [she]_2674-she makes . [She]_2674-she has such variety and yet such harmony . " [She]_0-i considered [him]_{547-her friend} with one of [her]_0-i deep returns of indulgence - returns out of all proportion to the irritations [they]_4776-they flooded over . "_[2674-she] [You]_0-i 're complete . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i 're always too personal , " [he]_{547-her friend} good - humouredly said ; "_[0-i] but that 's precisely how [I]_0-i wondered and wandered . " "_[0-i] If [you]_0-i mean , " [she]_0-i went on , "_[0-i] that [she]_2674-she was from the first for [you]_0-i [the most charming woman in [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{2676-the most charming woman in the world} , nothing 's more simple . Only that was an odd foundation . " "_[0-i] For what [I]_0-i reared on it ? " "_[0-i] For what [you]_0-i did n't ! " "_[0-i] Well , it was all not a fixed quantity . And it had for [me]_0-i - it has still - such elements of strangeness . [Her]_2674-she greater age than [his]_2678-his , [her]_2674-she different world , traditions , association ; [her]_2674-she other opportunities , liabilities , standards . " [[His]_{547-her friend} friend]_{259-his friend} listened with respect to [his]_{547-her friend} enumeration of these disparities ; then [she]_{259-his friend} disposed of them at a stroke . "_[2674-she] Those things are nothing when [a woman]_{3063-a woman} 's hit . It 's very awful . [She]_2674-she was hit . " [Strether]_82-strether , on [his]_82-strether side , did justice to that plea . "_[2674-she] Oh of course [I]_0-i saw [she]_2674-she was hit . That [she]_2674-she was hit was what [we]_2680-our were busy with ; that [she]_2674-she was hit was [our]_2680-our great affair . But somehow [I]_0-i could n't think of [her]_2674-she as down in the dust . And as put there by [[OUR]_2680-our little [Chad]_111-chad]_{2681-our little chad} ! " "_[111-chad] Yet was n't ' [your]_0-i ' little [Chad]_111-chad just [your]_0-i miracle ? " [Strether]_82-strether admitted it . "_[0-i] Of course [I]_0-i moved among miracles . It was all phantasmagoric . But the great fact was that so much of it was none of [my]_0-i business - as [I]_0-i saw [my]_0-i business . It is n't even now . " [[His]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} turned away on this , and it might well have been yet again with the sharpness of a fear of how little [his]_82-strether philosophy could bring [her]_{388-his companion} personally . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish [SHE]_2674-she could hear [you]_0-i ! " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? " "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} No - not [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ; since [I]_0-i understand [you]_0-i that it does n't matter now what [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} hears . Has n't [she]_2674-she heard everything ? " "_[2674-she] Practically - yes . " [He]_82-strether had thought a moment , but [he]_82-strether went on . "_[2674-she] [You]_{88-mrs. newsome} wish [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} could hear [me]_0-i ? " "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . " [She]_2674-she had come back to [him]_82-strether . "_{[85-madame de vionnet]} [She]_2674-she thinks just the contrary of what [you]_0-i say . That [you]_0-i distinctly judge [her]_2674-she . " [He]_82-strether turned over the scene as [the two women]_{4344-the two women} thus placed together for [him]_82-strether seemed to give it . "_[0-i] [She]_2674-she might have known - ! " "_[2674-she] Might have known [you]_0-i do n't ? " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked as [he]_82-strether let it drop . "_[2674-she] [She]_2674-she was sure of it at first , " [she]_2674-she pursued as [he]_82-strether said nothing ; ' [she]_2674-she took it for granted , at least , as [any woman in [her]_2674-she position]_{4780-any woman in her position} would . But after that [she]_2674-she changed [her]_2674-she mind ; [she]_2674-she believed [you]_0-i believed - "_[2674-she] " Well ? "_[2682-he] - [he]_2682-he was curious . " Why in [her]_2674-she sublimity . And that belief had remained with [her]_2674-she , [I]_97-mamie make out , till the accident of the other day opened [your]_0-i eyes . For that it did , "_[97-mamie] said [Maria]_97-mamie , " open them - "_[97-mamie] " [She]_2674-she ca n't help "_[2682-he] - [he]_2682-he had taken it up - " being aware ? No , "_[2682-he] [he]_2682-he mused ; " [I]_2682-he suppose [she]_2674-she thinks of that even yet . "_[2682-he] " Then [they]_4781-they WERE closed ? There [you]_0-i are ! However , if [you]_0-i see [her]_2674-she as [the most charming woman in [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{2676-the most charming woman in the world} it comes to the same thing . And if [you]_0-i 'd like [me]_97-mamie to tell [her]_2674-she that [you]_0-i do still so see [her]_2674-she - ! "_[97-mamie] [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} , in short , offered [herself]_{99-miss gostrey} for service to the end . It was an offer [he]_2682-he could temporarily entertain ; but [he]_2682-he decided . " [She]_2674-she knows perfectly how [I]_2682-he see [her]_2674-she . "_[2682-he] " Not favourably enough , [she]_2674-she mentioned to [me]_97-mamie , to wish ever to see [her]_2674-she again . [She]_2674-she told [me]_97-mamie [you]_0-i had taken a final leave of [her]_2674-she . [She]_2674-she says [you]_0-i 've done with [her]_2674-she . "_[97-mamie] " So [I]_97-mamie have . "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie had a pause ; then [she]_97-mamie spoke as if for conscience . " [She]_2674-she would n't have done with [YOU]_0-i . [She]_2674-she feels [she]_2674-she has lost [you]_0-i - yet that [she]_2674-she might have been better for [you]_0-i . "_[97-mamie] " Oh [she]_2674-she has been quite good enough ! "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether laughed . " [She]_2674-she thinks [you]_0-i and [she]_2674-she might at any rate have been [friends]_2897-friends . "_{[82-strether]} " [We]_4785-we might certainly . That 's just "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether continued to laugh - " why [I]_82-strether 'm going . "_{[82-strether]} It was as if [Maria]_97-mamie could feel with this then at last that [she]_97-mamie had done [her]_97-mamie best for each . But [she]_97-mamie had still an idea . " Shall [I]_97-mamie tell [her]_2674-she that ? "_[97-mamie] " No . Tell [her]_2674-she nothing . "_{[82-strether]} " Very well then . "_[97-mamie] To which in the next breath [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} added : " [Poor dear thing]_{4786-poor dear thing} ! "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [[Her]_{99-miss gostrey} friend]_{547-her friend} wondered ; then with raised eyebrows : " [Me]_{99-miss gostrey} ? "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Oh no . [Marie de Vionnet]_162-maria . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether accepted the correction , but [he]_82-strether wondered still . " Are [you]_82-strether so sorry for [her]_2674-she as that ? "_{[82-strether]} It made [her]_97-mamie think a moment - made [her]_97-mamie even speak with a smile . But [she]_97-mamie did n't really retract . " [I]_97-mamie 'm sorry for [us]_2684-us all ! "_[97-mamie] IV [He]_82-strether was to delay no longer to re - establish communication with [Chad]_111-chad , and [we]_2684-us have just seen that [he]_82-strether had spoken to [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} of this intention on hearing from [her]_{99-miss gostrey} of [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's absence . It was not moreover only the assurance so given that prompted [him]_82-strether ; it was the need of causing [his]_82-strether conduct to square with another profession still - the motive [he]_82-strether had described to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} as [his]_82-strether sharpest for now getting away . If [he]_82-strether was to get away because of some of the relations involved in staying , the cold attitude toward [them]_2686-them might look pedantic in the light of lingering on . [He]_82-strether must do both things ; [he]_82-strether must see [Chad]_111-chad , but [he]_82-strether must go . The more [he]_82-strether thought of the former of these duties the more [he]_82-strether felt [himself]_82-strether make a subject of insistence of [the latter]_{504-the latter} . [They]_2686-them were alike intensely present to [him]_82-strether as [he]_82-strether sat in front of [a quiet little cafe into which [he]_82-strether had dropped on quitting [Maria]_97-mamie 's entresol]_{2688-a quiet little cafe into which he had dropped on quitting maria 's entresol} . The rain that had spoiled [his]_82-strether evening with [her]_{99-miss gostrey} was over ; for it was still to [him]_82-strether as if [his]_82-strether evening HAD been spoiled - though it might n't have been wholly the rain . It was late when [he]_82-strether left [the cafe]_{2689-the cafe} , yet not too late ; [he]_82-strether could n't in any case go straight to bed , and [he]_82-strether would walk round by [the Boulevard Malesherbes]_{800-the boulevard malesherbes} - rather far round - on [his]_82-strether way [home]_2874-home . Present enough always was the small circumstance that had originally pressed for [him]_82-strether the spring of so big a difference - the accident of [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's appearance on [the balcony of [the mystic troisieme]_{2693-the mystic troisieme}]_{2692-the balcony of the mystic troisieme} at the moment of [his]_82-strether first visit , and the effect of it on [his]_82-strether sense of what was then before [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether recalled [his]_82-strether watch , [his]_82-strether wait , and the recognition that had proceeded from [the young stranger]_{2694-the young stranger} , that had played frankly into the air and had presently brought [him]_82-strether up - things smoothing the way for [his]_82-strether first straight step . [He]_82-strether had since had occasion , a few times , to pass [the house]_{654-the house} without going in ; but [he]_82-strether had never passed it without again feeling how it had then spoken to [him]_82-strether . [He]_82-strether stopped short to - night on coming to sight of it : it was as if [his]_82-strether last day were oddly copying [his]_82-strether first . The windows of [[Chad]_111-chad 's apartment]_{2696-chad 's apartment} were open to [the balcony]_{857-the balcony} - a pair of them lighted ; and a figure that had come out and taken up [little Bilham]_{83-little bilham} 's attitude , a figure whose cigarette - spark [he]_82-strether could see leaned on the rail and looked down at [him]_82-strether . It denoted however no reappearance of [[his]_82-strether younger friend]_{2698-his younger friend} ; it quickly defined itself in the tempered darkness as [Chad]_111-chad 's more solid shape ; so that [Chad]_111-chad 's was the attention that after [he]_82-strether had stepped forward into [the street]_{356-the street} and signalled , [he]_82-strether easily engaged ; [Chad]_111-chad 's was the voice that , sounding into the night with promptness and seemingly with joy , greeted [him]_82-strether and called [him]_82-strether up . That [the young man]_{2833-the young man} had been visible there just in this position expressed somehow for [Strether]_82-strether that , as [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie had reported , [he]_{2833-the young man} had been absent and silent ; and [[our]_2701-our friend]_{235-our friend} drew breath on each landing - the lift , at that hour , having ceased to work - before the implications of the fact . [He]_{2833-the young man} had been for a week intensely away , away to a distance and alone ; but [he]_{2833-the young man} was more back than ever , and the attitude in which [Strether]_82-strether had surprised [him]_{2833-the young man} was something more than a return - it was clearly a conscious surrender . [He]_{2833-the young man} had arrived but an hour before , from [London]_4-london , from [Lucerne]_77-lucerne , from [Homburg]_78-homburg , from no matter where - though [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} 's fancy , on the staircase , liked to fill it out ; and after a bath , a talk with [Baptiste]_192-baptiste and a supper of light cold clever French things , which [one]_2797-one could see the remains of there in the circle of the lamp , pretty and ultra - Parisian , [he]_{2833-the young man} had come into the air again for a smoke , was occupied at the moment of [Strether]_82-strether 's approach in what might have been called taking up [his]_{2833-the young man} life afresh . [His]_{2833-the young man} life , [his]_{2833-the young man} life ! - [Strether]_82-strether paused anew , on the last flight , at this final rather breathless sense of what [Chad]_111-chad 's life was doing with [[Chad]_111-chad 's mother 's emissary]_{2705-chad 's mother 's emissary} . It was dragging [him]_{2833-the young man} , at strange hours , up the staircases of [the rich]_{2706-the rich} ; it was keeping [him]_{2833-the young man} out of bed at the end of long hot days ; it was transforming beyond recognition the simple , subtle , conveniently uniform thing that had anciently passed with [him]_{2833-the young man} for a life of [his]_{2833-the young man} own . Why should it concern [him]_{2833-the young man} that [Chad]_111-chad was to be fortified in the pleasant practice of smoking on balconies , of supping on salads , of feeling [his]_111-chad special conditions agreeably reaffirm themselves , of finding reassurance in comparisons and contrasts ? There was no answer to such a question but that [he]_{2833-the young man} was still practically committed - [he]_{2833-the young man} had perhaps never yet so much known it . It made [him]_{2833-the young man} feel old , and [he]_{2833-the young man} would buy [his]_{2833-the young man} railway - ticket - feeling , no doubt , older - the next day ; but [he]_{2833-the young man} had meanwhile come up [four flights]_{2707-four flights} , counting the entresol , at midnight and without a lift , for [Chad]_111-chad 's life . [The young man]_{2833-the young man} , hearing [him]_111-chad by this time , and with [Baptiste]_192-baptiste sent to rest , was already at the door ; so that [Strether]_82-strether had before [him]_82-strether in full visibility the cause in which [he]_82-strether was labouring and even , with the troisieme fairly gained , panting a little . [Chad]_111-chad offered [him]_82-strether , as always , a welcome in which the cordial and the formal - so far as the formal was the respectful - handsomely met ; and after [he]_82-strether had expressed a hope that [he]_82-strether would let [him]_82-strether put [him]_82-strether up for the night [Strether]_82-strether was in full possession of the key , as it might have been called , to what had lately happened . If [he]_82-strether had just thought of [himself]_82-strether as old [Chad]_111-chad was at sight of [him]_82-strether thinking of [him]_82-strether as older : [he]_111-chad wanted to put [him]_82-strether up for the night just because [he]_82-strether was ancient and weary . It could never be said [the tenant of [these quarters]_{3556-these quarters}]_{2709-the tenant of these quarters} was n't nice to [him]_82-strether ; [a tenant who , if [he]_82-strether might indeed now keep [him]_82-strether , was probably prepared to work it all still more thoroughly]_{2711-a tenant who , if he might indeed now keep him , was probably prepared to work it all still more thoroughly} . [[Our]_2712-our friend]_{235-our friend} had in fact the impression that with the minimum of encouragement [Chad]_111-chad would propose to keep [him]_82-strether indefinitely ; an impression in the lap of which one of [his]_82-strether own possibilities seemed to sit . [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} had wished [him]_82-strether to stay - so why did n't that happily fit ? [He]_82-strether could enshrine [himself]_82-strether for the rest of [his]_82-strether days in [his]_82-strether young [host 's chambre d'ami]_{2714-host 's chambre d'ami} and draw out these days at [[his]_82-strether young host]_{2715-his young host} 's expense : there could scarce be greater logical expression of the countenance [he]_82-strether had been moved to give . There was literally a minute - it was strange enough - during which [he]_82-strether grasped the idea that as [he]_82-strether WAS acting , as [he]_82-strether could only act , [he]_82-strether was inconsistent . The sign that the inward forces [he]_82-strether had obeyed really hung together would be that - in default always of another career - [he]_82-strether should promote the good cause by mounting guard on it . These things , during [his]_82-strether first minutes , came and went ; but they were after all practically disposed of as soon as [he]_82-strether had mentioned [his]_82-strether errand . [He]_82-strether had come to say good - bye - yet that was only a part ; so that from the moment [Chad]_111-chad accepted [his]_111-chad farewell the question of a more ideal affirmation gave way to something else . [He]_82-strether proceeded with the rest of [his]_82-strether business . " [You]_111-chad 'll be [a brute]_{3690-a brute} , [you]_111-chad know - [you]_111-chad 'll be guilty of the last infamy - if [you]_111-chad ever forsake [her]_2716-her . "_{[82-strether]} That , uttered there at the solemn hour , uttered in the place that was full of [her]_2716-her influence , was the rest of [his]_82-strether business ; and when once [he]_82-strether had heard [himself]_82-strether say it [he]_82-strether felt that [his]_82-strether message had never before been spoken . It placed [his]_82-strether present call immediately on solid ground , and the effect of it was to enable [him]_82-strether quite to play with what [we]_2717-we have called the key . [Chad]_111-chad showed no shade of embarrassment , but had none the less been troubled for [him]_111-chad after [their]_2718-their meeting in [the country]_{1660-the country} ; had had fears and doubts on the subject of [his]_111-chad comfort . [He]_111-chad was disturbed , as it were , only FOR [him]_111-chad , and had positively gone away to ease [him]_111-chad off , to let [him]_111-chad down - if it was n't indeed rather to screw [him]_111-chad up - the more gently . Seeing [him]_111-chad now fairly jaded [he]_111-chad had come , with characteristic good humour , all the way to meet [him]_111-chad , and what [Strether]_82-strether thereupon supremely made out was that [he]_111-chad would abound for [him]_111-chad to the end in conscientious assurances . This was what was between [them]_2718-their while [the visitor]_{433-the visitor} remained ; so far from having to go over old ground [he]_111-chad found [his]_111-chad entertainer keen to agree to everything . It could n't be put too strongly for [him]_111-chad that [he]_111-chad 'd be [a brute]_{3690-a brute} . " Oh rather ! - if [I]_82-strether should do anything of THAT sort . [I]_82-strether hope [you]_111-chad believe [I]_82-strether really feel it . "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether want it , "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether , " to be [my]_82-strether last word of all to [you]_111-chad . [I]_82-strether ca n't say more , [you]_111-chad know ; and [I]_82-strether do n't see how [I]_82-strether can do more , in every way , than [I]_82-strether 've done . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad took this , almost artlessly , as a direct allusion . " [You]_111-chad 've seen [her]_4788-she ? "_[111-chad] " Oh yes - to say good - bye . And if [I]_82-strether had doubted the truth of what [I]_82-strether tell [you]_111-chad - "_{[82-strether]} " [She]_4788-she 'd have cleared up [your]_111-chad doubt ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad understood - " rather "_[111-chad] - again ! It even kept [him]_111-chad briefly silent . But [he]_111-chad made that up . " [She]_4788-she must have been wonderful . "_[111-chad] " [She]_4788-she WAS , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether candidly admitted - all of which practically told as a reference to the conditions created by the accident of the previous week . [They]_2722-they appeared for a little to be looking back at it ; and that came out still more in what [Chad]_111-chad next said . " [I]_111-chad do n't know what [you]_82-strether 've really thought , all along ; [I]_111-chad never did know - for anything , with [you]_82-strether , seemed to be possible . But of course - of course - "_[111-chad] Without confusion , quite with nothing but indulgence , [he]_111-chad broke down , [he]_111-chad pulled up . " After all , [you]_82-strether understand . [I]_111-chad spoke to [you]_82-strether originally only as [I]_111-chad HAD to speak . There 's only one way - is n't [there]_311-there ? - about such things . However , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad smiled with a final philosophy , " [I]_111-chad see it 's all right . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether met [his]_111-chad eyes with a sense of multiplying thoughts . What was it that made [him]_82-strether at present , late at night and after journeys , so renewedly , so substantially young ? [Strether]_82-strether saw in a moment what it was - it was that [he]_82-strether was younger again than [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} . [He]_82-strether [himself]_82-strether said immediately none of the things that [he]_82-strether was thinking ; [he]_82-strether said something quite different . " [You]_82-strether HAVE really been to a distance ? "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_111-chad 've been to [England]_79-england . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad spoke cheerfully and promptly , but gave no further account of it than to say : " [One]_2797-one must sometimes get off . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether wanted no more facts - [he]_82-strether only wanted to justify , as it were , [his]_82-strether question . " Of course [you]_82-strether do as [you]_82-strether 're free to do . But [I]_82-strether hope , this time , that [you]_82-strether did n't go for [ME]_82-strether . "_{[82-strether]} " For very shame at bothering [you]_82-strether really too much ? [[My]_111-chad dear man]_{2940-my dear man} , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad laughed , " what WOULDn't [I]_111-chad do for [you]_{2940-my dear man} ? "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether 's easy answer for this was that it was a disposition [he]_82-strether had exactly come to profit by . " Even at the risk of being in [your]_82-strether way [I]_111-chad 've waited on , [you]_82-strether know , for a definite reason . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad took it in . " Oh yes - for [us]_4792-us to make if possible a still better impression . "_{[82-strether]} And [he]_82-strether stood there happily exhaling [his]_82-strether full general consciousness . " [I]_82-strether 'm delighted to gather that [you]_82-strether feel [we]_4792-us 've made it . "_{[82-strether]} There was a pleasant irony in the words , which [[his]_82-strether guest]_{889-his guest} , preoccupied and keeping to the point , did n't take up . " If [I]_82-strether had [my]_82-strether sense of wanting the rest of the time - the time of [their]_4793-their being still on this side , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether continued to explain - " [I]_82-strether know now why [I]_82-strether wanted it . "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether was as grave , as distinct , as [a demonstrator before a blackboard]_{2724-a demonstrator before a blackboard} , and [Chad]_111-chad continued to face [him]_82-strether like [an intelligent pupil]_{2725-an intelligent pupil} . " [You]_82-strether wanted to have been put through the whole thing . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether again , for a moment , said nothing ; [he]_82-strether turned [his]_82-strether eyes away , and they lost [themselves]_{2726-themselves} , through the open window , in the dusky outer air . " [I]_82-strether shall learn from the Bank here where [they]_4793-their 're now having [their]_4793-their letters , and [my]_82-strether last word , which [I]_82-strether shall write in the morning and which [they]_4793-their 're expecting as [my]_82-strether ultimatum , will so immediately reach [them]_4793-their . "_{[82-strether]} The light of [his]_82-strether plural pronoun was sufficiently reflected in [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} 's face as [he]_82-strether again met it ; and [he]_82-strether completed [his]_82-strether demonstration . [He]_82-strether pursued indeed as if for [himself]_82-strether . " Of course [I]_82-strether 've first to justify what [I]_82-strether shall do . "_{[82-strether]} " [You]_82-strether 're justifying it beautifully ! "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad declared . " It 's not a question of advising [you]_111-chad not to go , "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether said , " but of absolutely preventing [you]_111-chad , if possible , from so much as thinking of it . Let [me]_82-strether accordingly appeal to [you]_111-chad by all [you]_111-chad hold sacred . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad showed a surprise . " What makes [you]_111-chad think [me]_111-chad capable - ? "_[111-chad] " [You]_82-strether 'd not only be , as [I]_{388-his companion} say , [a brute]_{3690-a brute} ; [you]_82-strether 'd be , "_{[388-his companion]} [[his]_82-strether companion]_{388-his companion} went on in the same way , " [a criminal of the deepest dye]_{4795-a criminal of the deepest dye} . "_{[388-his companion]} [Chad]_111-chad gave a sharper look , as if to gauge a possible suspicion . " [I]_111-chad do n't know what should make [you]_111-chad think [I]_111-chad 'm tired of [her]_4796-her . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether did n't quite know either , and such impressions , for the imaginative mind , were always too fine , too floating , to produce on the spot [their]_2729-their warrant . There was none the less for [him]_82-strether , in the very manner of [[his]_82-strether host]_{929-his host} 's allusion to satiety as a thinkable motive , a slight breath of the ominous . " [I]_{929-his host} feel how much more [she]_4796-her can do for [you]_82-strether . [She]_4796-her has n't done it all yet . Stay with [her]_4796-her at least till [she]_4796-her has . "_{[929-his host]} " And leave [her]_4796-her THEN ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad had kept smiling , but its effect in [Strether]_82-strether was a shade of dryness . " Do n't leave [her]_4796-her BEFORE . When [you]_82-strether 've got all that can be got - [I]_111-chad do n't say , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad added a trifle grimly . " That will be the proper time . But as , for [you]_82-strether , from [such a woman]_{1487-such a woman} , there will always be something to be got , [my]_111-chad remark 's not a wrong to [her]_4796-her . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad let [him]_111-chad go on , showing every decent deference , showing perhaps also a candid curiosity for this sharper accent . " [I]_111-chad remember [you]_82-strether , [you]_82-strether know , as [you]_82-strether were . "_[111-chad] " [An awful ass]_{4798-an awful ass} , was n't [I]_111-chad ? "_[111-chad] The response was as prompt as if [he]_111-chad had pressed a spring ; it had a ready abundance at which [he]_111-chad even winced ; so that [he]_111-chad took a moment to meet it . " [You]_82-strether certainly then would n't have seemed worth all [you]_82-strether 've let [me]_111-chad in for . [You]_82-strether 've defined [yourself]_82-strether better . [Your]_82-strether value has quintupled . "_[111-chad] " Well then , would n't that be enough - ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad had risked it jocosely , but [Strether]_82-strether remained blank . " Enough ? "_{[82-strether]} " If one SHOULD wish to live on one 's accumulations ? "_[111-chad] After which , however , as [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} appeared cold to the joke , [the young man]_{2833-the young man} as easily dropped it . " Of course [I]_111-chad really never forget , night or day , what [I]_111-chad owe [her]_{259-his friend} . [I]_111-chad owe [her]_{259-his friend} everything . [I]_111-chad give [you]_82-strether [my]_111-chad word of honour , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad frankly rang out , " that [I]_111-chad 'm not a bit tired of [her]_{259-his friend} . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether at this only gave [him]_82-strether a stare : the way [youth]_869-youth could express itself was again and again a wonder . [He]_82-strether meant no harm , though [he]_82-strether might after all be capable of much ; yet [he]_82-strether spoke of being " tired "_{[82-strether]} of [her]_{259-his friend} almost as [he]_82-strether might have spoken of being tired of roast mutton for dinner . " [She]_{259-his friend} has never for a moment yet bored [me]_82-strether - never been wanting , as [the cleverest women]_{4799-the cleverest women} sometimes are , in tact . [She]_{259-his friend} has never talked about [her]_{259-his friend} tact - as even [they]_4800-they too sometimes talk ; but [she]_{259-his friend} has always had it . [She]_{259-his friend} has never had it more "_{[82-strether]} - [he]_82-strether handsomely made the point - " than just lately . "_{[82-strether]} And [he]_82-strether scrupulously went further . " [She]_{259-his friend} has never been anything [I]_82-strether could call a burden . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether for a moment said nothing ; then [he]_82-strether spoke gravely , with [his]_82-strether shade of dryness deepened . " Oh if [you]_82-strether did n't do [her]_{259-his friend} justice - ! "_{[82-strether]} " [I]_82-strether SHOULD be a beast , eh ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether devoted no time to saying what [he]_82-strether would be ; THAT , visibly , would take [them]_2734-them far . If there was nothing for it but to repeat , however , repetition was no mistake . " [You]_82-strether owe [her]_{259-his friend} everything - very much more than [she]_{259-his friend} can ever owe [you]_82-strether . [You]_82-strether 've in other words duties to [her]_{259-his friend} , of the most positive sort ; and [I]_111-chad do n't see what other duties - as the others are presented to [you]_82-strether - can be held to go before [them]_2734-them . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad looked at [him]_82-strether with a smile . " And [you]_82-strether know of course about [the others]_{544-the others} , eh ? - since it 's [you]_82-strether [yourself]_82-strether who have done the presenting . "_[111-chad] " Much of it - yes - and to the best of [my]_82-strether ability . But not all - from the moment [[your]_82-strether sister]_{4108-your sister} took [my]_82-strether place . "_{[82-strether]} " [She]_{259-his friend} did n't , "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad returned . " [Sally]_126-sarah took a place , certainly ; but it was never , [I]_111-chad saw from the first moment , to be [yours]_82-strether . [No one]_{765-no one} - with [us]_4804-us - will ever take [yours]_82-strether . It would n't be possible . "_[111-chad] " Ah of course , "_{[82-strether]} sighed [Strether]_82-strether , " [I]_82-strether knew it . [I]_82-strether believe [you]_82-strether 're right . [No one in [the world]_{2804-the world}]_{4805-no one in the world} , [I]_82-strether imagine , was ever so portentously solemn . There [I]_82-strether am , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added with another sigh , as if weary enough , on occasion , of this truth . " [I]_82-strether was made so . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad appeared for a little to consider the way [he]_111-chad was made ; [he]_111-chad might for this purpose have measured [him]_111-chad up and down . [His]_111-chad conclusion favoured the fact . " [YOU]_82-strether have never needed any one to make [you]_82-strether better . There has never been any one good enough . [They]_4807-they could n't , "_{[2833-the young man]} [the young man]_{2833-the young man} declared . [[His]_{2833-the young man} friend]_{259-his friend} hesitated . " [I]_111-chad beg [your]_111-chad pardon . [They]_4807-they HAVE . "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad showed , not without amusement , [his]_111-chad doubt . " Who then ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether - though a little dimly - smiled at [him]_111-chad . " [Women]_350-women - too . "_{[82-strether]} " ' Two ' ? "_[111-chad] - [Chad]_111-chad stared and laughed . " Oh [I]_82-strether do n't believe , for such work , in any more than one ! So [you]_111-chad 're proving too much . And what IS beastly , at all events , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether added , " is losing [you]_111-chad . "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether had set [himself]_82-strether in motion for departure , but at this [he]_82-strether paused . " Are [you]_111-chad afraid ? "_{[82-strether]} " Afraid - ? "_{[82-strether]} " Of doing wrong . [I]_111-chad mean away from [my]_111-chad eye . "_[111-chad] Before [Chad]_111-chad could speak , however , [he]_111-chad had taken [himself]_111-chad up . " [I]_111-chad AM , certainly , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad laughed , " prodigious . "_[111-chad] " Yes , [you]_111-chad spoil [us]_4809-us for all the stupid - ! "_[111-chad] This might have been , on [Chad]_111-chad 's part , in its extreme emphasis , almost too freely extravagant ; but it was full , plainly enough , of the intention of comfort , it carried with it a protest against doubt and a promise , positively , of performance . Picking up a hat in [the vestibule]_{676-the vestibule} [he]_111-chad came out with [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} , came [downstairs]_{418-downstairs} , took [his]_111-chad arm , affectionately , as to help and guide [him]_111-chad , treating [him]_111-chad if not exactly as aged and infirm , yet as [a noble eccentric who appealed to tenderness]_{2740-a noble eccentric who appealed to tenderness} , and keeping on with [him]_111-chad , while [they]_2741-they walked , to the next corner and the next . " [You]_82-strether need n't tell [me]_111-chad , [you]_82-strether need n't tell [me]_111-chad ! "_[111-chad] - this again as [they]_2741-they proceeded , [he]_111-chad wished to make [Strether]_82-strether feel . What [he]_82-strether need n't tell [him]_82-strether was now at last , in the geniality of separation , anything at all it concerned [him]_82-strether to know . [He]_82-strether knew , up to the hilt - that really came over [Chad]_111-chad ; [he]_82-strether understood , felt , recorded [his]_82-strether vow ; and [they]_2741-they lingered on it as [they]_2741-they had lingered in [their]_2741-they walk to [[Strether]_82-strether 's hotel]_{3285-strether 's hotel} the night of [their]_2741-they first meeting . [The latter]_{504-the latter} took , at this hour , all [he]_82-strether could get ; [he]_82-strether had given all [he]_82-strether had had to give ; [he]_82-strether was as depleted as if [he]_82-strether had spent [his]_82-strether last sou . But there was just one thing for which , before [they]_2741-they broke off , [Chad]_111-chad seemed disposed slightly to bargain . [[His]_111-chad companion]_{388-his companion} need n't , as [he]_111-chad said , tell [him]_111-chad , but [he]_111-chad might [himself]_111-chad mention that [he]_111-chad had been getting some news of the art of advertisement . [He]_111-chad came out quite suddenly with this announcement while [Strether]_82-strether wondered if [his]_111-chad revived interest were what had taken [him]_111-chad , with strange inconsequence , over to [London]_4-london . [He]_111-chad appeared at all events to have been looking into the question and had encountered a revelation . Advertising scientifically worked presented itself thus as the great new force . " It really does the thing , [you]_82-strether know . "_[2741-they] [They]_2741-they were face to face under the street - lamp as [they]_2741-they had been the first night , and [Strether]_82-strether , no doubt , looked blank . " Affects , [you]_82-strether mean , the sale of the object advertised ? "_{[82-strether]} " Yes - but affects it extraordinarily ; really beyond what [one]_2797-one had supposed . [I]_111-chad mean of course when it 's done as one makes out that in [our]_2741-they roaring age , it CAN be done . [I]_111-chad 've been finding out a little , though it doubtless does n't amount to much more than what [you]_82-strether originally , so awfully vividly - and all , very nearly , that first night - put before [me]_111-chad . It 's an art like another , and infinite like all the arts . "_[111-chad] [He]_111-chad went on as if for the joke of it - almost as if [[his]_111-chad friend]_{259-his friend} 's face amused [him]_111-chad . " In the hands , naturally , of [a master]_{4811-a master} . [The right man]_{4812-the right man} must take hold . With [the right man]_{4812-the right man} to work it c'est un monde . "_[111-chad] [Strether]_82-strether had watched [him]_111-chad quite as if , there on [the pavement]_{2746-the pavement} without a pretext , [he]_111-chad had begun to dance a fancy step . " Is what [you]_111-chad 're thinking of that [you]_111-chad [yourself]_111-chad , in the case [you]_111-chad have in mind , would be [the right man]_{4812-the right man} ? "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad had thrown back [his]_111-chad light coat and thrust each of [his]_111-chad thumbs into an armhole of [his]_111-chad waistcoat ; in which position [his]_111-chad fingers played up and down . " Why , what is [he]_111-chad but what [you]_111-chad [yourself]_111-chad , as [I]_82-strether say , took [me]_82-strether for when [you]_111-chad first came out ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether felt a little faint , but [he]_82-strether coerced [his]_82-strether attention . " Oh yes , and there 's no doubt that , with [your]_111-chad natural parts , [you]_111-chad 'd have much in common with [him]_111-chad . [Advertising]_{199-advertising} is clearly at this time of day the secret of trade . It 's quite possible it will be open to [you]_111-chad - giving the whole of [your]_111-chad mind to it - to make the whole place hum with [you]_111-chad . [[Your]_111-chad mother]_{1043-your mother} 's appeal is to the whole of [your]_111-chad mind , and that 's exactly the strength of [her]_{1043-your mother} case . "_{[82-strether]} [Chad]_111-chad 's fingers continued to twiddle , but [he]_111-chad had something of a drop . " Ah [we]_4816-we 've been through [[my]_111-chad mother]_{1050-my mother} 's case ! "_[111-chad] " So [I]_82-strether thought . Why then do [you]_82-strether speak of the matter ? "_{[82-strether]} " Only because it was part of [our]_4816-we original discussion . To wind up where [we]_4816-we began , [my]_111-chad interest 's purely platonic . There at any rate the fact is - the fact of the possible . [I]_111-chad mean the money in it . "_[111-chad] " Oh damn the money in it ! "_{[82-strether]} said [Strether]_82-strether . And then as [the young man]_{2833-the young man} 's fixed smile seemed to shine out more strange : " Shall [you]_82-strether give [[your]_82-strether friend]_{632-your friend} up for the money in it ? "_{[2833-the young man]} [Chad]_111-chad preserved [his]_111-chad handsome grimace as well as the rest of [his]_111-chad attitude . " [You]_{632-your friend} 're not altogether - in [your]_{632-your friend} so great ' solemnity ' - kind . Have n't [I]_111-chad been drinking [you]_{632-your friend} in - showing [you]_{632-your friend} all [I]_111-chad feel [you]_{632-your friend} 're worth to [me]_111-chad ? What have [I]_111-chad done , what am [I]_111-chad doing , but cleave to [her]_{632-your friend} to the death ? The only thing is , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad good - humouredly explained , " that one ca n't but have it before one , in the cleaving - the point where the death comes in . Do n't be afraid for THAT . It 's pleasant to [a fellow]_{1059-a fellow} 's feelings , "_[111-chad] [he]_111-chad developed , " to ' size - up ' the bribe [he]_{1059-a fellow} applies [his]_{1059-a fellow} foot to . "_[111-chad] " Oh then if all [you]_{632-your friend} want 's a kickable surface the bribe 's enormous . "_[111-chad] " Good . Then there it goes ! "_[111-chad] [Chad]_111-chad administered [his]_111-chad kick with fantastic force and sent an imaginary object flying . It was accordingly as if [they]_2748-they were once more rid of the question and could come back to what really concerned [him]_111-chad . " Of course [I]_2748-they shall see [you]_{632-your friend} tomorrow . "_[2748-they] But [Strether]_82-strether scarce heeded the plan proposed for this ; [he]_82-strether had still the impression - not the slighter for the simulated kick - of an irrelevant hornpipe or jig . " [You]_{632-your friend} 're restless . "_[2748-they] " Ah , "_[111-chad] returned [Chad]_111-chad as [they]_2748-they parted , " [you]_{632-your friend} 're exciting . "_[200-v] [V]_200-v [He]_111-chad had , however , within two days , another separation to face . [He]_111-chad had sent [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie a word early , by hand , to ask if [he]_111-chad might come to breakfast ; in consequence of which , at noon , [she]_97-mamie awaited [him]_111-chad in the cool shade of [[her]_97-mamie little Dutch - looking dining - room]_{2749-her little dutch - looking dining - room} . [This retreat]_{2750-this retreat} was at the back of [the house]_{654-the house} , with a view of a scrap of old garden that had been saved from modern ravage ; and though [he]_111-chad had on more than one other occasion had [his]_111-chad legs under [its]_{654-the house} small and peculiarly polished table of hospitality , [the place]_{2826-the place} had never before struck [him]_111-chad as so sacred to pleasant knowledge , to intimate charm , to antique order , to a neatness that was almost august . To sit [there]_311-there was , as [he]_111-chad had told [[his]_111-chad hostess]_{320-his hostess} before , to see life reflected for the time in ideally kept pewter ; which was somehow becoming , improving to life , so that [one]_2797-one 's eyes were held and comforted . [Strether]_82-strether 's were comforted at all events now - and the more that it was the last time - with the charming effect , on the board bare of a cloth and proud of its perfect surface , of the small old crockery and old silver , matched by the more substantial pieces happily disposed about [the room]_{413-the room} . The specimens of [vivid Delf]_{201-vivid delf} , in particular had the dignity of family portraits ; and it was in the midst of [them]_2757-them that [[our]_2758-our friend]_{235-our friend} resignedly expressed [himself]_{235-our friend} . [He]_111-chad spoke even with a certain philosophic humour . " There 's nothing more to wait for ; [I]_111-chad seem to have done a good day 's work . [I]_111-chad 've let [them]_4820-them have it all round . [I]_111-chad 've seen [Chad]_111-chad , who has been to [London]_4-london and come back . [He]_111-chad tells [me]_111-chad [I]_111-chad 'm ' exciting , ' and [I]_111-chad seem indeed pretty well to have upset [every one]_{659-every one} . [I]_111-chad 've at any rate excited [HIM]_111-chad . [He]_111-chad 's distinctly restless . "_[111-chad] " [You]_2760-you 've excited [ME]_{99-miss gostrey} , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} smiled . " [I'M]_{99-miss gostrey} distinctly restless . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} " Oh [you]_2760-you were that when [I]_2760-you found [you]_2760-you . It seems to [me]_2760-you [I]_2760-you 've rather got [you]_2760-you out of it . What 's this , "_[2760-you] [he]_2760-you asked as [he]_2760-you looked about [him]_2760-you , " but a haunt of ancient peace ? "_[2760-you] " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} wish with all [my]_{99-miss gostrey} heart , "_{[99-miss gostrey]} [she]_{99-miss gostrey} presently replied , " [I]_{99-miss gostrey} could make [you]_2760-you treat [it]_4822-it as a haven of rest . "_{[99-miss gostrey]} On which [they]_2761-they fronted each other , across the table , as if things unuttered were in the air . [Strether]_82-strether seemed , in [his]_82-strether way , when [he]_82-strether next spoke , to take some of them up . " It would n't give [me]_2760-you - that would be the trouble - what it will , no doubt , still give [you]_2760-you . [I]_2760-you 'm not , "_[2760-you] [he]_2760-you explained , leaning back in [his]_2760-you chair , but with [his]_2760-you eyes on a small ripe round melon - " in real harmony with what surrounds [me]_2760-you . [You]_2760-you ARE . [I]_2760-you take it too hard . [You]_2760-you DON'T. It makes - that 's what it comes to in the end - [a fool of [me]_2760-you]_{4823-a fool of me} . "_[2760-you] Then at a tangent , " What has [he]_2760-you been doing in [London]_4-london ? "_[2760-you] [he]_2760-you demanded . " [Ah one]_{4824-ah one} may go to [London]_4-london , "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie laughed . " [You]_2760-you know [I]_97-mamie did . "_[97-mamie] Yes - [he]_2760-you took the reminder . " And [you]_97-mamie brought [ME]_2760-you back . "_[2760-you] [He]_2760-you brooded there opposite to [her]_97-mamie , but without gloom . " Whom has [Chad]_111-chad brought ? [He]_111-chad 's full of ideas . And [I]_2760-you wrote to [Sarah]_126-sarah , "_[2760-you] [he]_2760-you added , " the first thing this morning . So [I]_2760-you 'm square . [I]_2760-you 'm ready for [them]_4825-them . "_[2760-you] [She]_97-mamie neglected certain parts of this speech in the interest of [others]_2890-others . " [Marie]_97-mamie said to [me]_2760-you the other day that [she]_97-mamie felt [him]_111-chad to have the makings of [an immense man of business]_{4826-an immense man of business} . "_[2760-you] " There it is . [He]_111-chad 's [the son of [[his]_111-chad father]_{616-his father}]_{4827-the son of his father} ! "_[2760-you] " But SUCH [a father]_{1474-a father} ! "_[2760-you] " [Ah]_111-chad just the right one from that point of view ! But it is n't [[his]_111-chad father]_{616-his father} in [him]_111-chad , "_[2760-you] [Strether]_82-strether added , " that troubles [me]_2760-you . "_[2760-you] " What is it then ? "_{[82-strether]} [He]_82-strether came back to [his]_82-strether breakfast ; [he]_82-strether partook presently of the charming melon , which [she]_2763-she liberally cut for [him]_82-strether ; and it was only after this that [he]_82-strether met [her]_2763-she question . Then moreover it was but to remark that [he]_82-strether 'd answer [her]_2763-she presently . [She]_2763-she waited , [she]_2763-she watched , [she]_2763-she served [him]_82-strether and amused [him]_82-strether , and it was perhaps with this last idea that [she]_2763-she soon reminded [him]_82-strether of [his]_82-strether having never even yet named to [her]_2763-she the article produced at [Woollett]_87-woollett . " Do [you]_82-strether remember [our]_2764-their talking of it in [London]_4-london - that night at the play ? "_[2763-she] Before [he]_82-strether could say yes , however , [she]_2763-she had put it to [him]_82-strether for other matters . Did [he]_82-strether remember , did [he]_82-strether remember - this and that of [their]_2764-their first days ? [He]_82-strether remembered everything , bringing up with humour even things of which [she]_2763-she professed no recollection , things [she]_2763-she vehemently denied ; and falling back above all on the great interest of [their]_2764-their early time , the curiosity felt by both of [them]_2764-their as to where [he]_82-strether would " come out . "_{[82-strether]} [They]_2764-their had so assumed it was to be in [some wonderful place]_{2765-some wonderful place} - [they]_2764-their had thought of [it]_{2765-some wonderful place} as so very MUCH out . Well , that was doubtless what it had been - since [he]_82-strether had come out just there . [He]_82-strether was out , in truth , as far as it was possible to be , and must now rather bethink [himself]_82-strether of getting in again . [He]_82-strether found on the spot the image of [his]_82-strether recent history ; [he]_82-strether was like one of the figures of the old clock at [Berne]_80-berne . [THEY]_2764-their came out , on one side , at [their]_2764-their hour , jigged along [their]_2764-their little course in the public eye , and went in on the other side . [He]_82-strether too had jigged [his]_82-strether little course - [him]_82-strether too a modest retreat awaited . [He]_82-strether offered now , should [she]_2766-she really like to know , to name the great product of [Woollett]_87-woollett . It would be a great commentary on everything . At this [she]_2766-she stopped [him]_82-strether off ; [she]_2766-she not only had no wish to know , but [she]_2766-she would n't know for [the world]_{2804-the world} . [She]_2766-she had done with the products of [Woollett]_87-woollett - for all the good [she]_2766-she had got from [them]_2768-them . [She]_2766-she desired no further news of [them]_2768-them , and [she]_2766-she mentioned that [Madame de Vionnet]_{85-madame de vionnet} [herself]_{85-madame de vionnet} had , to [her]_{85-madame de vionnet} knowledge , lived exempt from the information [he]_82-strether was ready to supply . [She]_2766-she had never consented to receive it , though [she]_2766-she would have taken it , under stress , from [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} . But it was a matter about which [Mrs. Pocock]_{113-mrs. pocock} appeared to have had little to say - never sounding the word - and it did n't signify now . There was nothing clearly for [Maria Gostrey]_97-mamie that signified now - save one sharp point , that is , to which [she]_97-mamie came in time . " [I]_{2769-her guest} do n't know whether it 's before [you]_4831-you as a possibility that , left to [himself]_{2769-her guest} , [Mr. Chad]_111-chad may after all go back . [I]_{2769-her guest} judge that it IS more or less so before [you]_4831-you , from what [you]_4831-you just now said of [him]_82-strether . "_{[2769-her guest]} [[Her]_2766-she guest]_{2769-her guest} had [his]_{2769-her guest} eyes on [her]_2766-she , kindly but attentively , as if foreseeing what was to follow this . " [I]_{2769-her guest} do n't think it will be for the money . "_{[2769-her guest]} And then as [she]_2766-she seemed uncertain : " [I]_2766-she mean [I]_2766-she do n't believe it will be for that [he]_82-strether 'll give [her]_2766-she up . "_[2766-she] " Then [he]_82-strether WILL give [her]_2766-she up ? "_{[82-strether]} [Strether]_82-strether waited a moment , rather slow and deliberate now , drawing out a little this last soft stage , pleading with [her]_2766-she in various suggestive and unspoken ways for patience and understanding . " What were [you]_82-strether just about to ask [me]_2766-she ? "_[2766-she] " Is there anything [he]_82-strether can do that would make [you]_82-strether patch it up ? "_[2766-she] " With [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? "_[2766-she] [Her]_2766-she assent , as if [she]_2766-she had had a delicacy about sounding the name , was only in [her]_2766-she face ; but [she]_2766-she added with it : " Or is there anything [he]_82-strether can do that would make [HER]_{88-mrs. newsome} try it ? "_[2766-she] " To patch it up with [me]_2766-she ? "_[2766-she] [His]_82-strether answer came at last in a conclusive headshake . " There 's nothing [any one]_{2912-any one} can do . It 's over . Over for [both of [us]_{4833-both of us}]_{4833-both of us} . "_[97-mamie] [Maria]_97-mamie wondered , seemed a little to doubt . " Are [you]_82-strether so sure for [her]_2770-her ? "_[97-mamie] " Oh yes - sure now . Too much has happened . [I]_97-mamie 'm different for [her]_2770-her . "_[97-mamie] [She]_97-mamie took it in then , drawing a deeper breath . " [I]_97-mamie see . So that as [she]_2770-her 's different for [YOU]_82-strether - "_[97-mamie] " Ah but , "_{[82-strether]} [he]_82-strether interrupted , ' [she]_2770-her 's not . " And as [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} wondered again : "_{[82-strether]} [She]_2770-her 's the same . [She]_2770-her 's more than ever the same . But [I]_0-i do what [I]_0-i did n't before - [I]_0-i SEE [her]_2770-her . " [He]_82-strether spoke gravely and as if responsibly - since [he]_82-strether had to pronounce ; and the effect of it was slightly solemn , so that [she]_{99-miss gostrey} simply exclaimed "_[0-i] Oh ! " Satisfied and grateful , however , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} showed in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} own next words an acceptance of [his]_82-strether statement . "_[0-i] What then do [you]_0-i go [home]_2874-home to ? " [He]_82-strether had pushed [his]_82-strether plate a little away , occupied with another side of the matter ; taking refuge verily in that side and feeling so moved that [he]_82-strether soon found [himself]_82-strether on [his]_82-strether feet . [He]_82-strether was affected in advance by what [he]_82-strether believed might come from [her]_2770-her , and [he]_82-strether would have liked to forestall it and deal with it tenderly ; yet in the presence of it [he]_82-strether wished still more to be - though as smoothly as possible - deterrent and conclusive . [He]_82-strether put [her]_2770-her question by for the moment ; [he]_82-strether told [her]_2770-her more about [Chad]_111-chad . "_[0-i] It would have been impossible to meet [me]_0-i more than [he]_2772-he did last night on the question of the infamy of not sticking to [her]_2772-he . " "_[2772-he] Is that what [you]_0-i called it for [him]_2772-he - ' infamy ' ? " "_[0-i] Oh rather ! [I]_0-i described to [him]_2772-he in detail the base creature [he]_2772-he 'd be , and [he]_2772-he quite agrees with [me]_0-i about it . " "_[2772-he] So that it 's really as if [you]_0-i had nailed [him]_2772-he ? " "_[0-i] Quite really as if - ! [I]_0-i told [him]_2772-he [I]_0-i should curse [him]_2772-he . " "_[0-i] Oh , " [she]_0-i smiled , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i HAVE done it . " And then having thought again : "_[0-i] [You]_0-i CAN'T after that propose - ! " Yet [she]_0-i scanned [his]_2772-he face . "_[0-i] Propose again to [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} ? " [She]_0-i hesitated afresh , but [she]_0-i brought it out . "_{[88-mrs. newsome]} [I]_0-i 've never believed , [you]_0-i know , that [you]_0-i did propose . [I]_0-i always believed it was really [she]_{88-mrs. newsome} - and , so far as that goes , [I]_0-i can understand it . What [I]_0-i mean is , " [she]_0-i explained , "_[0-i] that with such a spirit - the spirit of curses ! - [your]_0-i breach is past mending . [She]_{88-mrs. newsome} has only to know what [you]_0-i 've done to [him]_2772-he never again to raise a finger . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've done , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[0-i] what [I]_0-i could - one ca n't do more . [He]_2772-he protests [his]_2772-he devotion and [his]_2772-he horror . But [I]_0-i 'm not sure [I]_0-i 've saved [him]_2772-he . [He]_2772-he protests too much . [He]_2772-he asks how [one]_2797-one can dream of [his]_2772-he being tired . But [he]_2772-he has all life before [him]_2772-he . " [Maria]_97-mamie saw what [he]_2772-he meant . "_[2772-he] [He]_2772-he 's formed to please . " "_[2772-he] And it 's [[our]_2774-our friend]_{235-our friend} who has formed [him]_2772-he . " [Strether]_82-strether felt in it the strange irony . "_{[235-our friend]} So it 's scarcely [his]_2772-he fault ! " "_[2772-he] It 's at any rate [his]_2772-he danger . [I]_0-i mean , " said [Strether]_82-strether , "_[2776-she] it 's [hers]_2776-she . But [she]_2776-she knows it . " "_[2776-she] Yes , [she]_2776-she knows it . And is [your]_0-i idea , " [Miss Gostrey]_{99-miss gostrey} asked , "_[0-i] that there was [some other woman in [London]_4-london]_{2777-some other woman in london} ? " "_{[2777-some other woman in london]} Yes . No . That is [I]_0-i HAVE no ideas . [I]_0-i 'm afraid of them . [I]_0-i 've done with [them]_2778-them . " And [he]_82-strether put out [his]_82-strether hand to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[0-i] Good - bye . " It brought [her]_{99-miss gostrey} back to [her]_{99-miss gostrey} unanswered question . "_[0-i] To what do [you]_0-i go [home]_2874-home ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't know . There will always be something . " "_[0-i] To a great difference , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} said as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} kept [his]_82-strether hand . "_[0-i] A great difference - no doubt . Yet [I]_0-i shall see what [I]_0-i can make of it . " "_[0-i] Shall [you]_0-i make anything so good - ? " But , as if remembering what [Mrs. Newsome]_{88-mrs. newsome} had done , it was as far as [she]_{99-miss gostrey} went . [He]_82-strether had sufficiently understood . "_[0-i] So good as [this place]_{1292-this place} at this moment ? So good as what [YOU]_0-i make of everything [you]_0-i touch ? " [He]_82-strether took a moment to say , for , really and truly , what stood about [him]_82-strether there in [her]_{99-miss gostrey} offer - which was as the offer of exquisite service , of lightened care , for the rest of [his]_82-strether days - might well have tempted . It built [him]_82-strether softly round , it roofed [him]_82-strether warmly over , it rested , all so firm , on selection . And what ruled selection was beauty and knowledge . It was awkward , it was almost stupid , not to seem to prize such things ; yet , none the less , so far as [they]_4834-they made [his]_82-strether opportunity [they]_4834-they made it only for a moment . [She]_{99-miss gostrey} 'd moreover understand - [she]_{99-miss gostrey} always understood . That indeed might be , but meanwhile [she]_{99-miss gostrey} was going on . "_[0-i] There 's nothing , [you]_0-i know , [I]_0-i would n't do for [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Oh yes - [I]_0-i know . " "_[0-i] There 's nothing , " [she]_{99-miss gostrey} repeated , "_[0-i] in all [the world]_{2804-the world} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i know . [I]_0-i know . But all the same [I]_0-i must go . " [He]_82-strether had got it at last . "_[0-i] To be right . " "_[0-i] To be right ? " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} had echoed it in vague deprecation , but [he]_82-strether felt it already clear for [her]_{99-miss gostrey} . "_[0-i] That , [you]_0-i see , is [my]_0-i only logic . Not , out of the whole affair , to have got anything for [myself]_0-i . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} thought . "_[0-i] But with [your]_0-i wonderful impressions [you]_0-i 'll have got a great deal . " "_[0-i] A great deal " - [he]_82-strether agreed . "_[0-i] But nothing like [YOU]_0-i . It 's [you]_0-i who would make [me]_0-i wrong ! " Honest and fine , [she]_{99-miss gostrey} could n't greatly pretend [she]_{99-miss gostrey} did n't see it . Still [she]_{99-miss gostrey} could pretend just a little . "_[0-i] But why should [you]_0-i be so dreadfully right ? " "_[0-i] That 's the way that - if [I]_0-i must go - [you]_0-i [yourself]_0-i would be the first to want [me]_0-i . And [I]_0-i ca n't do anything else . " So then [she]_{99-miss gostrey} had to take it , though still with [her]_{99-miss gostrey} defeated protest . "_[0-i] It is n't so much [your]_0-i BEING ' right ' - it 's [your]_0-i horrible sharp eye for what makes [you]_0-i so . " "_[0-i] Oh but [you]_0-i 're just as bad [yourself]_0-i . [You]_0-i ca n't resist [me]_0-i when [I]_0-i point that out . " [She]_{99-miss gostrey} sighed it at last all comically , all tragically , away . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ca n't indeed resist [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Then there [we]_2782-we are ! " said [Strether]_82-strether .